On 18 January, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Libyan National Army (LNA) Khalifa Haftar in Cairo in the presence of the Director of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service Hassan Mahmoud Rashad. According to the spokesperson for the Egyptian President, al-Sisi stressed that ‘Libya’s stability is closely linked to Egypt’s national security’ and Egypt wants to ensure ‘security and stability in Libya, maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and restore its development trajectory.’ Al-Sisi also ‘underlined the vital importance of preventing foreign inter ferences and ensuring the withdrawal of all foreign forces and mercenaries from Libyan territories.’ Haftar reportedly expressed his deep appreciation for Egypt’s pivotal role in restoring stability in Libya and for its tireless efforts to support the Libyan people since the outbreak of the crisis.