Beirut: Lebanon is relying on Egypt's significant political influence to help navigate through its current difficulties, as articulated by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun during a meeting with visiting Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun emphasized Lebanon's dependence on Egypt's pivotal role in the Arab region and its assistance during these challenging times. He highlighted the importance of revitalizing the Lebanese-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee to serve the interests of both nations, expressing optimism for successful efforts towards stabilizing Lebanon and fostering regional peace.
Madbouly, on his part, conveyed Egypt's unwavering support for Lebanon during this sensitive period. He stressed Egypt's backing for all measures taken by Aoun and the Lebanese government to restore stability and allow the Lebanese army and state institutions to exert full control over the nation's territory and sovereignty.
The Egyptian prime minister underscored the objective of his visit to reenergize the Lebanese-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee, which had recently reconvened in Cairo after a six-year hiatus. Talks with Lebanese officials are expected to delve into cooperation across vital sectors such as energy, electricity, gas, industry, and transportation.
Madbouly also expressed Egypt's preparedness, through both government and private sectors, to aid reconstruction projects in southern Lebanon impacted by Israeli strikes. In addition, he met with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.
The Egyptian prime minister's visit came amid international and Arab efforts to ease tensions in southern Lebanon and prevent a broader conflict with Israel. This visit follows Nawaf Salam's trip to Cairo in November, where Lebanon and Egypt signed 15 agreements and memorandums of understanding in various fields, including transport, economy, education, and agriculture.
Earlier, Lebanon's government approved a plan to bring all weapons, including those held by Hezbollah, under state authority. A five-phase plan by the army was endorsed in September to implement this decision, although no specific timeline was set. The initial phase calls for the removal of Hezbollah weapons south of the Litani River by the year's end, despite Hezbollah's insistence on Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories before disarmament.
The backdrop of these developments includes a ceasefire reached between Israel and Lebanon in November 2024, after prolonged cross-border attacks amid the Gaza war, which resulted in over 4,000 fatalities and 17,000 injuries. Under the truce, Israeli forces were expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon in January but have maintained a military presence at five border outposts.