Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi renewed his firm stance towards strengthening cooperation with Lebanon and stressed Cairo's keenness to primarily preserve the Lebanese state’s capabilities and to extricate the country from the situation it is currently suffering from.
This came during his meeting with Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri on Wednesday at Al-Ittihadia Palace in Cairo.
The meeting was attended by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and head of General Intelligence Abbas Kamel, during which the officials discussed the situation in Lebanon as well as regional developments, and means to boost cooperation between the two countries.
Presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said that Sisi expressed his sincere wishes to Hariri in forming the new cabinet that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people to achieve security and stability.
"Sisi affirmed that Egypt is ready to provide all forms of support and assistance to overcome the crises facing Lebanon, especially the repercussions of the Beirut Port blast and the Covid-19 pandemic", according to Radi.
For his part, Hariri asserted “Lebanon's pride in the close historical relations” between the two countries, expressing his country’s appreciation for Egypt's support, highlighting its assistance in the wake of the devastating effects of the Beirut Port explosion.
He also praised “Egypt's tireless and sincere efforts to mobilize international support for Lebanon at various levels in light of the continuing difficult challenges facing the Lebanese people, particularly at the political, economic and humanitarian levels,” announced Radi.
Hariri also met with Arab League Sec-Gen Ahmed Aboul Gheit at the headquarters in Cairo.
Abul-Gheit discussed with Hariri the Lebanese situation, including the latest developments in the formation of an independent government.
The Sec-Gen emphasized that the Arab League is closely following the developments in Lebanon, stressing support to the country, especially in light of the unprecedented suffering the people are facing, as a result of the political stalemate and the economic deterioration, which became evident during the recent protests in Tripoli.
Aboul Gheit indicated that the people expect their leaders to unite for the sake of their country, stressing that saving Lebanon is the priority at this stage.
He appealed to all political parties to put differences aside and uphold the nation's interest.
Later, Hariri held talks with Shoukry and Kamel at the Foreign Ministry headquarters. The meeting emphasized the importance of upholding Lebanon’s supreme national interest to end the current deadlock within the framework of commitment to the Lebanese constitution.
“This requires accelerating efforts to form an independent government capable of dealing with the requirements of the future to which the Lebanese people aspire," a foreign ministry statement read.
For his part, Hariri reiterated his appreciation for Cairo’s support and assistance, expressing Lebanon's aspiration to advance cooperation with Egypt in several vital sectors to benefit from the Egyptian experience in achieving economic and social development.
