Cairo: SiltaNews – News Desk
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli said Friday that there has been steady growth in the pace of political communication between Egypt and Lebanon, and that relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and joint cooperation. Madbouli said, during a press conference with his Lebanese counterpart, Nawaf Salam, at the Grand Serail government headquarters, that his visit to Beirut reflects the steady rise in political communication between the two countries under the new Lebanese administration.
This has been evident since President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received General Joseph Aoun, President of the Lebanese Republic, last May, followed by reciprocal visits that embodied the special and strong nature of Egyptian-Lebanese relations, as well as the shared commitment of both countries to elevating these relations to broader horizons. He added that there is a clear political will to deepen relations between Egypt and Lebanon, affirming the keenness of both Cairo and Beirut to strengthen ties across various fields. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli affirmed that his visit to Lebanon reflects the depth of the historical and fraternal relations that bind the two countries, which have been built on mutual respect, sincere solidarity, and joint action in the service of the interests of the two brotherly peoples.
Madbouli praised the positive outcomes and strong momentum resulting from the visits made by Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to Cairo, during which he had the honor of meeting President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. Those visits culminated in the convening of the tenth session of the Egyptian-Lebanese Higher Joint Committee, co-chaired by the prime ministers of both countries, in Cairo last November, held for the first time in six years. The session witnessed the signing of nearly 15 agreements in the economic, cultural, media, and diplomatic fields, reflecting a clear political will to move toward further deepening relations between the two countries.
He noted that he held an expanded meeting with the Lebanese prime minister, which discussed various aspects of bilateral cooperation, in addition to reviewing the political, economic, and security developments in the region. At the same time, he commended the efforts exerted by President Aoun and the Lebanese government headed by Salam, as well as the orientations outlined in its ministerial statement aimed at achieving stability, safeguarding civil peace, restoring the effectiveness of state institutions, foremost among them the Lebanese Armed Forces, and empowering them to extend their authority over the entirety of Lebanese territory.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli praised the strenuous efforts exerted by the Lebanese Army to achieve this goal within the framework of a gradual approach and a comprehensive national vision that preserves Lebanon’s unity and cohesion, based on the Taif Agreement and relevant international resolutions. Madbouli affirmed Egypt’s steadfast and supportive position toward Lebanon, its leadership, government, and people, and Egypt’s constant keenness to assist Lebanon during this delicate phase, as it faces exceptional challenges on all levels. He reiterated that Egypt views Lebanon as a fundamental pillar of stability in the Arab Mashreq, and that Egypt will spare no effort in continuing its intensive endeavors to keep Lebanon away from any escalation.
The prime minister concluded his speech by saying “Egypt reaffirms its firm position rejecting Israel’s repeated violations against Lebanese territory, as well as the occupation of parts of southern Lebanon. Egypt stresses the necessity of an immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all Lebanese territories.” “Egypt also stresses respect for the agreement on the cessation of hostilities, and the full and non-selective implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolution. Egypt further affirms its support for Lebanon’s stability and national unity and underscores the continuation of its support for Lebanon in all fields,” he added.