Egyptian Foreign Minister Reaffirms Support for Lebanon, Emphasizes Need for National Consensus on Presidency.

Beirut: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty met with Lebanon's Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at his Beirut residence on Wednesday. The meeting, attended by Lebanon's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Dr. Abdullah Bou Habib and Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Alaa Moussa, focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing the ongoing Israeli aggression against Lebanon. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, discussions between the officials highlighted the significance of halting the Israeli aggression on Lebanese territories. Prime Minister Mikati underscored Lebanon's commitment to a peaceful resolution, advocating for the full implementation of UN Resolution 1701 and reinforcing the presence of the Lebanese army in the south in collaboration with UNIFIL forces. Mikati rejected any conditions surpassing UN Resolution 1701, emphasizing the Lebanese government's firm stance on the matter. During the meeting, Egyptian Foreign Minister Abdel Aaty conveyed Egypt's unwaver ing support for Lebanon. "I was honored to meet with Prime Minister Mikati, reflecting the strong relationship between our two countries," Abdel Aaty said. He emphasized Egypt's commitment to ending the Israeli aggression and securing a ceasefire, while also stressing the importance of preserving Lebanon's state institutions, particularly the presidency. Abdel Aaty pointed out that resolving the presidential vacuum should be a Lebanese-owned process and not linked to the ceasefire. He strongly opposed any external interference in selecting Lebanon's next president, asserting, "No foreign country or entity has the right to dictate who Lebanon's next president should be." Furthermore, Abdel Aaty announced Egypt's ongoing humanitarian support for Lebanon, including a humanitarian airlift from Cairo to Beirut. He asserted that this aid is a responsibility, not a gift, and emphasized the need to continue supporting Lebanon amid the internal displacement crisis. Abdel Aaty also mentioned cooperation with inte rnational partners, including the U.S., European nations, Arab countries, China, and Russia, to achieve an immediate ceasefire. The Egyptian Foreign Minister acknowledged the detailed briefing from Prime Minister Mikati regarding Lebanon's current needs, such as food, shelter, and medical supplies, as the country grapples with the consequences of the ongoing conflict.