Foreign Minister Affirms Cairo's Commitment to Continue Strengthening Cooperation with the Lebanese Dar al-Fatwa and Deepening Historical Ties

Dr. Badr Abdel-Aty, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration, and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs, met on Wednesday with Sheikh Abdul Latif Deryan, the Grand Mufti of the Lebanese Republic, during his visit to Beirut to enhance consultation and coordination with various Lebanese leaders.

Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdel-Aty expressed Egypt's pride in the deep fraternal ties that bind the two countries and the positive momentum witnessed in bilateral relations at various levels during the meeting.

He also affirmed Cairo's commitment to continue strengthening cooperation with the Lebanese Dar al-Fatwa and deepening the historical ties it shares with both Al-Azhar and the Egyptian Dar al-Ifta, referring in this regard to the meetings that brought together His Excellency President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam with the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar during their recent visits to Cairo.

The Foreign Minister emphasized Egypt's steadfast position supporting Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and stability, confirming Cairo's readiness to continue providing all necessary support and assistance during this critical phase, contributing to enhancing de-escalation and preventing any potential escalation. He also reiterated the importance of the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement and the necessity for the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the cessation of their violations of Lebanese sovereignty, enabling Lebanese state institutions and the army to fully and simultaneously implement Resolution 1701.

Minister Abdel-Aty praised the prominent national and spiritual role played by the Grand Mufti in preserving national unity and establishing values of coexistence and civil peace, commending the positive role played by various Lebanese sects and components in maintaining Lebanon's collective identity and its ability to overcome challenges through a solid national consensus.

For his part, the Mufti welcomed the Foreign Minister's visit, expressing his appreciation for Egypt's positions and its historical role in supporting Lebanon, and affirming his aspiration to continue close cooperation between the two sides to enhance Lebanon's stability and unity.