The Minister of Interior in western Libya’s Government of National Accord (GNA) Fathi Bashagha arrived to Cairo on Wednesday for talks with Egyptian officials, his office announced.

“This visit comes in the framework of cooperation between Libya and Egypt to face the common challenges, to boost the joint security cooperation and to face the threats of terrorism and organized crime in ways that preserve the national security of both Libya and Egypt,” a statement from Bashagha’s office read.

The statement added that the GNA’s interior minister appreciates the Egyptian leadership, government and people for their invitation to come to Cairo and that he was looking forward to further cooperation to boost the special strategic relations in a way that would protect the security of the two countries.

According to German DPA news agency, Bashagha came with a delegation including four of his aides and was going to meet with a number of Egyptian officials.

Aside from the cooperation between Egypt and Libya and the content in the files like counter-terrorism, the Libyan official is expected to discuss the developments before a new round of talks kicks off on 9 November in Tunisia.

This is considered the first visit by Bashagha to Cairo since assuming the office in 2018.