Egyptian President Reiterates Importance of Holding Elections in Libya

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)
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Egyptian President Reiterates Importance of Holding Elections in Libya

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed the upcoming Libyan elections with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly and Director of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel.

Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said that Sisi underscored the utmost priority to restoring stability in Libya.

He also stressed Cairo's firm position towards respecting Tripoli's sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting all forms of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Libya.

Sisi confirmed the importance of strengthening the cohesion of Libya's national institutions and uniting its national army to protect the resources of the Libyan people and reinforce their free will.

The meeting touched on the latest developments in Libya. The President lauded the approval of the electoral law, saying it is an essential step in implementing the roadmap approved by the Libyans.

Sisi said Egypt is ready to help Libyans hold the elections based on cooperation, development, and respect for the values of good neighborliness.

He lauded the endeavors of Dbeibeh's government to improve the living conditions of Libyan citizens.

The President expressed confidence in the ability of the Libyan people to overcome all challenges they are facing toward the reconstruction of a robust modern state capable of reinforcing security and stability across the country.

For his part, Dbeibeh reiterated Libya's profound appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role under the wise leadership of Sisi to maintain peace and stability in Libya.

This comes in light of the historic and brotherly relations that bind the two countries, mainly supporting Libya's national institutions. It also addressed transferring Egyptian expertise in the reconstruction and development of Libya to fulfill the aspirations of the Libyan people for a secure and dignified life.

Dbeibeh said he looks forward to further advancing Egyptian-Libyan relations across all areas for the benefit of the two peoples and support Egyptian investments to implement various projects in Libya.

Madbouly met with his Libyan counterpart ahead of the High Joint Libyan-Egyptian Committee meetings in Cairo.

Speaking at the joint press conference, Dbeibeh said that Sisi asserted Egypt's support to Libyan people, adding that the delegation's visit to Cairo confirms Egypt's significant role in the region and the world.

Dbeibeh explained that the delegation includes several ministers to confirm Libya's seriousness in the projects implemented by Egyptian companies.

Madbouly announced that Cairo and Tripoli agreed on several projects to be implemented by Egypt.

He described the meeting as "historic" because it represents the resumption of relations between the two countries during the next phase, stressing that Egypt will continue to provide political and economic support to Libya.

He encouraged the Libyan side to invest in Egypt through the Libyan Investment Corporation and the Development Fund.

Madbouly and Dbeibeh witnessed the signing of several agreements and joint memoranda of understanding (MoU) by the relevant ministers in transportation, ports, oil, infrastructure, energy, health, education, housing, communications, agriculture, security cooperation, civil aviation, and sports.



Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
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Türkiye Intensifies Steps to Establish Air Base East of Homs

Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 
Turkish-made Hisar air defense system (Turkish Defense Industries website). 

Türkiye is accelerating preparations to establish an airbase in the city of Palmyra, east of Homs, following an announcement by its Ministry of Defense last week that it is considering a request from the Syrian administration in Damascus to set up a base for training purposes.

Reports indicate that Turkish military convoys carrying equipment entered northern Syria overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, likely transporting logistical supplies and gear to the “T4” airbase in Palmyra.

The pro-government Turkish newspaper “Türkiye” reported on Wednesday that the country has taken official steps to take control of the Tiyas Military Airbase—also known as Tiyas Airport, T4 Airbase —located near the village of Tiyas, about 60 kilometers east of Palmyra in Homs province.

According to the report, Türkiye plans to establish a multi-layered air defense system at the base, incorporating domestically produced weapons. Additionally, Ankara intends to deploy reconnaissance drones and armed UAVs with advanced strike capabilities. The goal is to enhance the country’s counterterrorism efforts against ISIS while also deterring potential Israeli airstrikes in the region.

Some sources suggest that Türkiye may also consider deploying the Russian S-400 air defense system, which it acquired in the summer of 2019.

Retired Turkish Brigadier General Fahri Erenel stated that Ankara plans to take significant steps in Syria in April. He mentioned that after the collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime, a defense agreement was negotiated with the Syrian interim government. Under this agreement, Türkiye would provide air support and military protection to the new Syrian administration.

Israeli Concerns

Israel is deeply concerned about Türkiye’s growing cooperation with Damascus and its efforts to expand its military presence in Syria.

An Israeli security official, speaking to The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday, described the potential establishment of a Turkish military base in Syria as a “possible threat” to Israel. The official, whose name was not disclosed, warned that a Turkish airbase in Syria would undermine Israel’s operational freedom and was therefore something Tel Aviv opposed.

On Friday, the Israeli military announced that it had targeted what it described as “strategic military capabilities” at Syrian army bases in Palmyra and the T4 airbase. The Israeli official indicated that the strike on T4 was a message that Israel would not tolerate any obstacles to its air operations in Syria.