Kandil meets Zeidan, highlights difficulties after Arab Spring

Egyptian PM Hisham Kandil (R) wants a trade-based relationship with Libya Egyptian Prime Minister Hisham Kandil has said that states part of the Arab Spring revolutions face difficult challenges to develop and prosper. Speaking at a joint press conference with Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan, Kandil said both Egypt and Libya are going through a transitional phase after overthrowing dictatorial regimes.
Kandil said: "The two countries stressed the importance of cooperation to achieve the common interests," adding that both nations need to build for the future with optimism.
He disclosed that the two leaders had discussed signing a trade agreement for the standardisation of business transactions between Egypt and Libya. He added that they would form a committee in April to resolve any niggling issues and develop a trade-based relationship.
Zeidan told reporters that Libya had adopted a clear foreign policy to ban external interference in the governmental affairs or other countries or exporting terrorism or revolutions elsewhere, adding, "our pledges are different from the pledges adopted by the former regime. We believe in a new kind of cooperation."
The Libyan PM cited post-revolution security concerns for the imposition of a visa requirement on residents living near bordering areas. He announced plans to open a Libyan consulate in Sallum, while Egyptian authorities would open a similar office in Tobruk to aid the process of granting visas.
 Zidan said he would hold talks with Egyptian authorities about the transfer of funds and assets belonging to figures from the ousted Libyan regime.
Earlier on Thursday, Zeidan met Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi at Ittihadiya presidential palace.
The duo discussed bilateral relations and a number of common issues, including border security and regional developments.
The Libyan delegation included Deputy Interior Minister Omar Khadrawi and Libyan intelligence chief Salem Hassi.