Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met with Lebanese Prime minister-designate Saad Al-Hariri, on Wednesday, and renewed his country’s firm cooperation with Lebanon.
During the meeting, President Al-Sisi also highlighted Egypt’s keenness to preserve the capacity of the Lebanese state.
The meeting was held in the presence of Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sameh Shoukry, and Chief of the General Intelligence Services (GIS) Abbas Kamel.
The Egyptian President affirmed the importance of helping Lebanon out of its current difficult situation. He noted that this will take place once all Lebanese leaders uphold the national interest while settling disputes, and accelerating efforts to form an independent government capable of dealing with the current challenges.
President Al-Sisi also renewed Egypt’s firm stance on strengthening the close ties of cooperation with Lebanon, and expressed his sincere wishes to Al-Hariri in forming the new government. The Egyptian leader stated that this will take place in a manner that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, and to achieve security and stability.
He also stressed Egypt’s readiness to provide all aspects of support and assistance to overcome the crises that Lebanon is facing. This relates particularly to those caused by the August 2020 Beirut Port explosion, and the ongoing novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
For his part, Al-Hariri affirmed Lebanon’s pride in its close historical relations with Egypt, which are based on solidarity and brotherhood. He expressed his country’s appreciation for the Egyptian efforts in supporting Lebanon in all fields, especially in providing aid and assistance in the aftermath of the Beirut Port incident.
Al-Hariri praised the current Egyptian experience based on the priorities of economic and development success, and considered it as a model to be emulated across the Middle East.
He also praised Egypt’s tireless and sincere efforts to mobilise international support for Lebanon at various levels in light of the country’s continuing and difficult challenges, especially at the political, economic and humanitarian levels.
The meeting reviewed the overall political scene in Lebanon, in addition to discussing the most prominent developments in the regional situation. Also under discussion were the methods of enhancing the existing bilateral cooperation frameworks between the two countries.
Following the Beirut Port blast in August 2020, President Al-Sisi reiterated Egypt’s full support and solidarity with the Lebanese people. He also noted his country’s full readiness to provide all support through medical and relief assistance, and to harness its capabilities to help Lebanon in its rebuilding efforts.
Egypt’s Minister of Health and Population Hala Zayed recently visited Lebanon, accompanied by three planes loaded with large quantities of medical aid. The donations come as part of President Al-Sisi’s directives and Egypt’s keenness to support Lebanon.
The three planes, which arrived at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, carried tools, supplies, medical products, quantities of milk for children, as well as medical devices and equipment provided by the Arab League.
Al-Hariri was named premier for a fourth time in October after his successor stepped down following the massive 4 August explosion at Beirut’s port. The explosion, which caused extensive fatalities, injuries and damage, occurred due to thousands of hazardous chemicals that had been incorrectly stored in a warehouse at the port for years.
The situation in Lebanon has long been shaky, with the country’s economic collapse pushing at least half the population into poverty and crashing the currency.
Al-Hariri has pledged to quickly form a new government of specialists that would enact reforms and stop the country’s economic collapse.
