Egypt’s Sisi extends Cairo’s full support to resolve Lebanese crisis: Report

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 07:56 am

Amid a political deadlock, Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri visited Cairo this week to discuss the formation of a new government in the crisis-hit country with the Egyptian leadership. During Hariri’s visit, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed Cairo’s full support of Lebanon’s efforts to resolve the political crisis and establish a new government in the country.

As per a statement issued by the presidency, Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s support for Hariri’s political path aimed at restoring stability in Lebanon and his attempts to overcome political challenges including the formation of a new cabinet.

“Egypt will boost efforts in forming a new cabinet in Lebanon and settling any differences to get the country out of suffering, put Lebanese national interest first, and safeguard the people’s unity,” Sisi told Hariri during a meeting, as quoted by media reports.

Egypt to send delegation to Lebanon

Citing sources, regional television station Al Hadath Wednesday reported that Cairo is likely to send a high-level delegation to Beirut to accelerate the process of forming a government as well as chalk out a plan to overcome the ongoing economic and political crisis. The broadcaster further reported that Siri has urged Hariri not to give up on his efforts to form a new government in Lebanon, in view of speculations of him likely to step down from office this week.

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Cairo is also expected to join efforts from other Arab nations to help Lebanon in finding a solution to tackle the country’s crisis. Significantly, Hariri has been seeking support from regional powers towards his efforts to form a new government in Lebanon.

Hariri meets Egyptian FM

Hariri also held talks with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry in Cairo. During the meeting, Shoukry reiterated Egypt’s support to Hariri and called on all political parties in Lebanon to prioritize the supreme interest of the country over their personal interests.

“Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri arrived at the Tahrir Palace in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, and met with Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, who affirmed his country’s support for brotherly Lebanon to get out of the current situation, and that it is necessary for all Lebanese parties to give priority to the supreme interest of Lebanon, far from any narrow interest,” a tweet posted by Hariri said.

The two leaderships also discussed potential ways to enhance bilateral cooperation between Lebanon and Egypt along with regional development in key areas. With underlying interests in Lebanon, the Sisi government has been calling on the political leadership in the Arab nation to settle disputes and ramp up the efforts to form a government to deal with existing challenges.

Hariri presents new cabinet proposal

After months of impasse, Saad Hariri on Thursday presented a new proposal for the Lebanese cabinet to President Michel Aoun. The country has been struggling to overcome economic and political challenges without an active government since the massive Beirut Port explosion in August 2020 which led to mass resignation by the cabinet of Hassane Diab.