Hommam Al Nassim 
The meeting between the Egyptian Businessmen Association and a delegation from the Libyan Business Council clarified the centrality of relations between the two countries despite all the harsh conditions in Libya.
Joint investment and trade cooperation forms a base on which to build to draw new horizons between Libya and Egypt, and this meeting opened the doors for Egyptian companies to participate in the reconstruction of Libya, where the investments of the initial phase of the projects are estimated at about $ 120 billion.
During the meeting, the Libyan side proposed the formation of a joint committee between the Council and the Egyptian Businessmen Association, and called on the Egyptian Businessmen Association to organize a business trip to Libya with the aim of exploring trade exchange opportunities and increasing investment flow between Egypt and Libya, and the delegation also proposed the establishment of a joint Libyan-Egyptian bank and a free logistics zone near the Salloum border crossing, in addition to activating trade agreements and resolving issues related to the movement of people and funds between the two countries, while Ali Issa, President of the Egyptian Businessmen Association, stressed the depth and importance of relations Egyptian-Libyan, expressing openness to Egyptian companies in various sectors.
The initiative marks a new beginning for bilateral relations between the two countries after the conflict period, as the reconstruction efforts in Libya are huge, requiring projects worth billions of dollars, and this represents a great opportunity for thousands of Egyptian companies and millions of workers, and the cooperation carries strategic steps that can facilitate trade and investment activities more smoothly, further strengthening ties between Egypt and Libya during this crucial phase of reconstruction.
The other side of economic activity is reflected in the mutual situation between the two countries, in recent years the political scene in North Africa has been greatly affected by the dynamics between Libya and Egypt, two neighboring countries with intertwined histories and common interests, and the relationship between the government of Osama Hammad in eastern Libya represented a different form of cooperation despite the conditions of the Libyan conflict, Egypt shares wide borders with Libya, and has well-established interests in the stability of its neighbor, starting from security concerns and reaching economic relations, as fluctuations in Libya posed a threat. Directly to Egypt’s national security, which prompted it to deal directly with the Libyan crisis.
Within this intertwined reality between the two countries, the rapprochement between the government of eastern Libya and Egypt constitutes an important approach to address mutual security concerns and enhance economic cooperation, and joint initiatives have been launched focusing on strengthening border security, combating terrorism, and facilitating trade and investment, and this cooperation aims not only to stabilize the region, but also to lay the foundation for the revival of the Libyan economy, in which Egypt plays a pivotal role.
Egypt’s diplomatic efforts have been effective in seeking a political settlement in Libya, and by taking advantage of its influence, Cairo has worked to bridge the gap between the Libyan factions, calling for the formation of a unified national government, and through its participation in the internationally active diplomatic movement, it confirmed its commitment to the Libyan road map that accommodates all parties, and although Libya’s internal dynamics and international rivalries have directly affected relations between the two countries, the Libyan-Egyptian rapprochement, especially with the government of Osama Hammad, will have effects Libya’s stability is critical to regional security and various other issues, the most important of which is migration control and economic development, and Egypt’s proactive role in mediating the Libyan political crisis reflects a broader strategic vision for North African stability.
The evolving relationship between Libya and Egypt, especially cooperation with the government of the East, comes from the necessities imposed by geography in the first place, without meaning not creating a balance with the rest of the Libyan parties, as the difficulties in the Libyan political process require extensive efforts that do not stop at the limits of the relationship with Egypt only, but for an integrated road map to be drawn at the level of North Africa in general.
Written by Nidal Al-Khedary
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