Sisi Reiterates Egypt’s Support to Libya’s Supreme Interest

Sisi and Menfi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency spokesman)
Sisi and Menfi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency spokesman)
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Sisi Reiterates Egypt’s Support to Libya’s Supreme Interest

Sisi and Menfi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency spokesman)
Sisi and Menfi meet in Cairo on Tuesday. (Egyptian presidency spokesman)

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s full support for everything that would achieve Libya's supreme interest and the free will of its people, and preserve its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Sisi received in Cairo head of the Libyan Presidential Council Mohammed al-Menfi for the second time in a month.

They discussed developments in Libya and ongoing preparations to hold presidential and parliamentary elections scheduled on Friday.

Menfi commended the vital role played by Egypt and its sincere efforts, led by Sisi, to restore security and stability in Libya and unify its state institutions, especially the military, in line with the work of the 5 + 5 committee, stated presidency spokesperson Bassam Rady.

The two parties agreed to intensify consultations and coordination to follow up on developments in the political process and procedures for managing the transitional phase, in a way that helps restore Libya’s stability and unify its institutions.

The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and head of General Intelligence, Abbas Kamel, and Libya's permanent representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Abdel Muttalib Idris.



Arsenal Must Be Ruthless to Earn Statement Win at Sporting, Says Arteta

Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)
Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)
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Arsenal Must Be Ruthless to Earn Statement Win at Sporting, Says Arteta

Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)
Arsenal FC head coach Mikel Arteta attends a press conference at Alvalade Stadium, in Lisbon, Portugal, 25 November 2024. Arsenal will face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League on 26 November. (EPA)

Arsenal need to be ruthless to secure a win against Sporting and snap their negative run of form away from home in the Champions League, manager Mikel Arteta said ahead of Tuesday's clash.

Winless in their last four European outings, Arsenal arrive in Portugal following a 1-0 defeat against Inter Milan at San Siro earlier this month.

Arteta's side currently sit 12th in the new Champions League 36-team format, where the top eight teams qualify automatically for the last 16 and the next 16 enter a two-legged playoff to join them.

The Spaniard acknowledged that improving their away form is key to his team's chances in Europe's top-tier club competition.

"It's certainly something we have to improve. We have the right steps, and looking back at the way we played against Inter, we dominated the game and should have won," Arteta told a news conference on Monday.

"But the reality is you have to make it happen, and we didn't. Those steps are what we need to take next - be ruthless and much more efficient in the opposition box.

"We wanted to be higher (in the standings), but it's the position we are in right now.

"We have to play in a way that's going to give us a chance to win the game and fight to do it as quickly as possible. Tomorrow we have a great opportunity to do that."

Sporting, who thrashed Manchester City 4-1 in their last outing, are enjoying an outstanding campaign, remaining unbeaten in second place with 10 points.

Arteta acknowledged the Portuguese champions pose a major challenge for Arsenal but also offer an opportunity for a morale-boosting triumph.

"The run they are on is incredible, which tells you it's not only about their qualities but their ambition and the team energy they have. That's the great challenge we have," he said.

"To come here tomorrow, make a statement, and show that we are capable against this kind of opponent by being ourselves and winning the game."