President of the Republic of Lebanon, General Joseph Aoun, on Monday held official talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi at Al-Ittihadiya Palace in Cairo, during his official visit to Egypt. The two leaders discussed strengthening bilateral ties and advancing cooperation on regional challenges.
In his address following the meeting, President Aoun praised the historic bond between Lebanon and Egypt, describing it as “brotherhood as old as time,” symbolized in cultural and political solidarity dating back millennia.
“Renewing this bond today requires building a future-focused Arab unity centered on mutual interests,” Aoun said, proposing the establishment of a joint Arab economic body and the formation of a regional market, beginning with bilateral cooperation.
Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s full commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and called on the international community to pressure ‘Israel’ to fulfill the U.S.- and French-mediated agreement of November 26, 2023, and withdraw fully from Lebanese territory. He also stressed Lebanon’s commitment to peaceful relations with Syria, especially regarding the return of displaced Syrians through joint coordination.
On the Palestinian issue, Aoun reiterated the call for a just peace and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, as outlined in the Arab Peace Initiative.
President Al-Sisi, in turn, welcomed Aoun to Egypt, calling Lebanon a “sister nation” and reaffirming Egypt’s unwavering support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability. He condemned ongoing Israeli violations and underscored the importance of implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 in full. El-Sisi also emphasized Egypt’s efforts to help Lebanon in reconstruction and economic revitalization and urged the international community to contribute meaningfully.
The Egyptian president also stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the entry of humanitarian aid, while reaffirming opposition to the forced displacement of Palestinians. He called for the recognition of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
On Syria, El-Sisi reiterated support for a non-exclusive political solution, condemned Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty, and emphasized the importance of Syrian territorial unity.
Both presidents agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in various fields, and Al-Sisi concluded by affirming Egypt’s lasting commitment to Lebanon, describing it as a “beacon of culture and enlightenment in the Arab world.”
Source: NNA
