Egypt, Oman Explore Boosting Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)
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Egypt, Oman Explore Boosting Cooperation

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. (AFP file photo)

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry kicked off on Saturday a two-day visit to the Omani capital, Muscat, leading an Egyptian delegation to the 15th session of the Egyptian-Omani joint committee.

Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi received Shoukry at Muscat International Airport.

At his arrival, Shoukry inaugurated the Arab Specialized Eye, Nose, Throat and Dental Hospital, which is a joint Omani-Egyptian investment project.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of Sheikh Sebaa bin Hamdan Al Saadi, Secretary-General of the Higher Committee for Celebrations, in the presence of a number of Omani and Egyptian officials.

Spokesman for the Egyptian Foreign Ministry, Ahmed Hafez, said Shoukry will sit down with a number of senior Omani officials to discuss the distinguished bilateral relations between their countries. Talks will also cover regional and international developments of interest.

On Saturday, Shoukry attended the opening of the third session of the Egyptian-Omani Joint Business Council at Al Bustan Palace. Present at the event were Albusaidi and Omani Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion Qais Al Yousef.

The Egyptian Minister commended the active role played by the council to promote joint investments and explore cooperation opportunities. He also hailed the regular convention of the council since its establishment in 2019.

Shoukry encouraged Omani investors and private business owners to make the best use of the mega economic and developmental projects under way in Egypt, which offer a wide variety of investment opportunities, especially in light of the country's successful economic reforms to ensure a business-friendly environment.



Security Council Urges Unity in Lebanon, Welcomes Aoun’s Election

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
TT

Security Council Urges Unity in Lebanon, Welcomes Aoun’s Election

This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)
This handout picture provided by the press office of the Lebanese presidency shows Lebanon's new President Joseph Aoun (C) and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri (L) meeting with the new prime minister-designate Nawaf Salam (R) at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on January 14, 2025. (Photo by AFP)

The UN Security Council has encouraged all parties in Lebanon to demonstrate “renewed unity,” saying PM designate Nawaf Salam should “swiftly” form a new government.

In a presidential statement unanimously adopted on Lebanon, the Council welcomed on Thursday the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, but it “expressed concern about the reported violations” in reference to ongoing Israeli attacks.

The Council “reaffirmed its support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence in accordance with Council resolution 1701 (2006).”

The statement came as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Lebanon for meetings with top officials.

The Council welcomed the recent election of President Joseph Aoun and the designation of Salam as Prime Minister, describing the recent developments as “a long-awaited and critical step” to overcome Lebanon’s political and institutional crisis.

“It encouraged all parties in that country to demonstrate renewed unity and the new Lebanese authorities to swiftly form a government.”

Last week, the Security Council members held closed consultations on Lebanon to receive an update on the implementation of the cessation of hostilities agreement between Israel and Lebanon ahead of the expiry of the 60-day deadline outlined in the agreement for the Israeli army to withdraw south of the Blue Line and, in parallel, for the Lebanese military to deploy to positions south of the Litani river.