Beirut: Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty arrived in Beirut on Tuesday evening for talks with Lebanese officials. The top diplomat was welcomed at Rafic Hariri Airport by Information Minister Paul Morcos, the Lebanese state news agency NNA reported.
According to Anadolu Agency, an Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement highlighted that during his meeting with Morcos, Abdelatty affirmed Egypt's full support for Lebanon. He emphasized Cairo's commitment to standing by the Lebanese state amid the current challenges facing the country. Abdelatty is expected to meet with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to discuss bilateral cooperation and current developments in Lebanon and the region.
The ministry stated that the talks would affirm Egypt's commitment to preserving Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. They will also support Lebanon's efforts to overcome current challenges 'in a manner that safeguards its security and stability and meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people.'
Separately, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and affirmed Egypt's support for Lebanon's efforts to ensure that weapons remain solely in the hands of the Lebanese state. This was conveyed during a phone call with his Lebanese counterpart, during which Sisi congratulated Aoun on the 82nd anniversary of Lebanon's independence from France, reiterating Egypt's firm support of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Aoun expressed appreciation for the Egyptian support and voiced hope for greater international support for the Lebanese army, given the heavy national responsibilities it bears.
The visit comes amid heightened tensions in southern Lebanon, with recent conflicts escalating. On Sunday, five people were killed and 28 others injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting senior Hezbollah commander Haitham Tabatabai in southern Beirut. The Israeli military has intensified near-daily air raids inside Lebanese territory, claiming to target Hezbollah members and infrastructure.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, at least 331 people have been killed and 945 injured by Israeli fire since a ceasefire deal took effect on Nov. 27, 2024.