New alamein city: Prime Minister, Dr. Nawaf Salam, accompanied by a delegation, on Wednesday visited Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, at the Presidential Palace in New Alamein City. The Lebanese delegation included Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh, Water and Energy Minister Joe Saddi, Lebanon's Ambassador to Egypt Ali Halabi, and the Director of the Prime Minister's Office Farah Al-Khatib.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the meeting was attended by Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation Dr. Rania Mashat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Dr. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Dr. Badr Abdel Aati, and the ambassadors of the two countries. President Salam expressed his appreciation for Egypt's leadership, government, and people for their support for Lebanon, highlighting the historical ties between the two countries.
Premier Salam outlined the Lebanese government's priorities for the next phase, focusing on economic reforms and extending state authority across its entire territory. He noted that Lebanon looks forward to enhancing cooperation with all Arab countries. Salam also emphasized the importance of international support for Lebanese state institutions, particularly the army, and urged friendly countries to exert pressure to ensure Israel halts its attacks on Lebanon and withdraws from the south.
President Sisi welcomed Prime Minister Salam on his first visit to Egypt since assuming the premiership and praised the Lebanese government's efforts to restore state institutions and authority. The Egyptian president affirmed his country's support for Lebanon's stability and economic recovery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Lebanon's stability and national unity.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to continue consultation and coordination between the two countries to enhance regional security and stability. Additionally, Salam met with the Egyptian Foreign Minister and reiterated the importance of the historic brotherly relations between Lebanon and Egypt. He expressed appreciation for Egypt's role in supporting Lebanon's stability and called for continued Arab support and pressure on Israel.
Salam also highlighted the Lebanese government's aspiration to strengthen bilateral cooperation, especially in economic and developmental fields, and emphasized the importance of holding the next session of the Joint Higher Committee in Cairo this year. Minister Abdel Aati welcomed Salam's visit as an important step towards strengthening bilateral relations and reiterated Egypt's support for Lebanon, particularly in the face of Israeli violations. The meeting also addressed regional developments, including the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Syrian dossier.