Cairo: During his visit to Egypt, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam met with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his delegation, in the presence of Economy and Trade Minister Amer Al-Bsat, Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Judge Mahmoud Makieh, Lebanon's Ambassador to Egypt Ali Al-Halabi, and Advisor to the Prime Minister, Ambassador Claude Al-Hajjal.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, the meeting addressed the general situation in Lebanon and the region, focusing on developments in the south and the post-UNIFIL phase. Discussions included ways to support Lebanese institutions and enhance bilateral cooperation in economic and development fields.
President Steinmeier expressed Germany's support for Lebanon's stability and institutional strengthening, particularly the Lebanese army. He confirmed Germany's readiness to engage in the upcoming international conference to support the Lebanese army and contribute to economic and development projects.
Steinmeier emphasized the importance of Lebanon seizing the new regional climate after the Gaza ceasefire to consolidate stability and rebuild internal and external confidence. He reaffirmed Germany's commitment to standing by Lebanon during this critical phase and highlighted the necessity of reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund to restore international confidence and revive the economy.
Prime Minister Salam stated that Lebanon aims to leverage the post-ceasefire phase in Gaza and the Sharm El-Sheikh summit to implement a cessation of hostilities and stabilize the south and the country overall. He stressed that Lebanon's stability is crucial to regional stability.
Salam urged for pressure on Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon and halt its attacks, affirming Lebanon's commitment to Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities. He noted the government's progress in implementing a plan to restrict weapons to the state to consolidate stability and reinforce legitimate institutions.
The Prime Minister also emphasized the ongoing reform process, both financially and administratively, as foundational for the Lebanese economy's recovery and for restoring donor and international community confidence in Lebanon.