Egypt and France on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the "dangerous" conditions in Libya, which they say pose a threat to the whole region.
"The situation in Libya is a source of deep worry, given the deterioration of security and the soaring violence," Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told a joint press conference following his talks with French counterpart Laurent Fabius in Paris.
He added that his talks in the French capital addressed the rising threat by the extremist groups in Egypt's western neighbor.
Shoukry noted that he and Fabuis had underscored necessity that the international community must support legitimacy in Libya.
For his part, the French Foreign Minister said that the Paris talks had discussed a host of issues regarding the tense conditions in Libya, adding that the "situation there is a source of severe worry for the region and Europe," warning of the grave consequences of allowing the armed groups to grow and expand in the country.
"The international community should back legitimacy in Libya to restore order and counter terrorist groups," Fabuis said, pointing out that the UN is ready to help Libya realize security and stability.
Meanwhile, Fabuis said bilateral relations with Egypt are important to France, noting that Paris supported the transitional stage in the country, regarding respect to commitments and public freedoms. He referred to the trade ties between them as "excellent." Shoukry said his country is looking forward to more consultations and cooperation with France. He invited Fabuis to visit Cairo.
Today's talks tackled means of enhancing political and trade ties, besides technological and economic cooperation.
Shoukry is on a three-country European tour that included Germany and Italy, and ends on Wednesday.