President Aoun to Egyptian Prime Minister: We Rely on Egypt's Fundamental Role in the Region

President Michel Aoun affirmed that "Lebanon relies on Egypt's fundamental political role in the Arab region and on its assistance during this difficult phase." He considered that "activating the work of the joint higher committee between the two countries is essential for their mutual interests," expressing his hopes for "the success of efforts to establish stability in Lebanon and bring peace to the region."

President Aoun's remarks came during his meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly and the accompanying ministerial and diplomatic delegation, this morning at Baabda Palace, in the presence of Minister of Industry Joe Issa Al-Khoury, the Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Alaa Moussa, and the Lebanese Ambassador to Egypt Ali Al-Halabi. Madbouly conveyed the support of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to President Aoun for all the efforts he and the Lebanese government are making to achieve Lebanon's stability and security, stressing that his country will spare no effort in this regard.

Madbouly said: "The purpose of the visit is to convey Egypt's full support with all its strength to Lebanon's presidency, government, and people during this critical phase it is going through, and for all the steps taken by President Aoun and the Lebanese government to achieve stability, and for the Lebanese army and institutions to control all Lebanese territories and assert sovereignty over them."

He added: "We are here today to activate the work of the Lebanese-Egyptian Higher Committee, which convened last month in Cairo for the first time in six years, and to subsequently discuss with the Lebanese government areas of cooperation in all important fields, foremost among them energy, electricity, gas, industry, and transport. Also, to express Egypt's readiness, both government and private sector, to provide support to Lebanon in all projects that we hope will bring progress to the Lebanese people, including reconstruction in southern Lebanon, which was affected by the brutal Israeli aggression. In this context, Egypt fully stands with Lebanon in all the steps it takes and the efforts exerted by President Aoun in all fields."

The Egyptian Prime Minister concluded by reiterating that "Egypt fully condemns all the brutal Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon and affirms its full support to achieve Lebanon's stability and extend its sovereignty over all its territories without exception, and to activate UN Resolution 1701."

President Aoun welcomed the delegation, noting that "Egypt has never interfered in Lebanon's affairs except for its interest," affirming that "any support Egypt provides to Lebanon is appreciated and thanked."

He emphasized that "Lebanon relies on Egypt's fundamental political role in the Arab region and on its assistance during this difficult phase," considering that "activating the work of the higher committee between the two countries is necessary for their mutual benefit," pointing out that "just as the Egyptian people consider Lebanon their other country, the Lebanese also consider Egypt their other country."

The President spoke about the current situation, wishing success for efforts to establish stability in Lebanon and bring peace to the region. He recalled his meeting with President El-Sisi when he was army commander, noting how much the Egyptian President cared about Lebanon's security, stemming from his love for Lebanon and the interest of his own country alike.

President Aoun asked Prime Minister Madbouly to convey his greetings to President El-Sisi and his wishes for health and prosperity for him and the brotherly Egyptian people on the occasion of the blessed holidays.