Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
In a significant show of regional solidarity and deepening bilateral relations, Egyptian Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly hosted his Lebanese counterpart, Dr. Nawaf Salam, for extensive talks in New Alamein City, focusing on political coordination, economic cooperation, and shared regional challenges. This marks Prime Minister Salam’s first official visit to Egypt since assuming office and comes amid heightened regional instability and renewed calls for international engagement in Lebanon’s reconstruction.
The meeting brought together senior ministers from both countries, including Egypt’s Foreign Minister Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Eng. Karim Badawi, and Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, alongside Lebanon’s Minister of Culture Dr. Ghassan Salameh and Minister of Energy and Water Joe Sadé.
Prime Minister Madbouly warmly welcomed his Lebanese counterpart, expressing hope that the visit would mark the beginning of a new chapter in Egyptian-Lebanese relations, with deeper cooperation and closer consultation across political, economic, and cultural fields. He emphasized Egypt’s keenness to strengthen economic ties, highlighting the historic and cultural connections that bind the two nations.
“The Egyptian state under the leadership of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, remains steadfast in its support for the unity and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and stands ready to assist in all areas necessary to ensure its sovereignty and stability,” Madbouly stated. He also reiterated Egypt’s rejection of Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and emphasized the need for Israel’s full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, in line with international resolutions and the November 2024 ceasefire agreement.
Madbouly called on the international community to step up support for Lebanon, particularly in post-conflict reconstruction, with an emphasis on southern Lebanon. He noted Egypt’s readiness to participate actively through its public and private sector companies in rebuilding civil infrastructure and restoring vital services.
A key item on the agenda was the upcoming convening of the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee, which is expected to take place in Cairo in November. The two sides agreed that this session coinciding with the anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum should be used to activate more than 100 existing bilateral agreements and memoranda of understanding, spanning sectors such as energy, culture, and trade.
For his part, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam praised Egypt’s regional leadership and mediation efforts, especially in supporting ceasefire initiatives in Gaza. He echoed Madbouly’s commitment to enhancing bilateral relations and emphasized the need for robust economic cooperation to match the already strong political alignment between the two countries.
Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh expressed admiration for Egypt’s urban development, citing the New Administrative Capital and New Alamein City as models. He expressed interest in expanding cultural ties, particularly in areas such as heritage protection and combating antiquities trafficking.
From the Egyptian side, Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aaty reaffirmed President El-Sisi’s directive to provide Lebanon with full support at both the regional and international levels. This includes advocating for Lebanon’s interests in global forums and supporting its institutions in restoring full control over national territory.
Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi offered concrete proposals for bilateral cooperation in energy, including technical support in petroleum exploration and investment promotion. He announced plans to visit Lebanon soon to explore these opportunities further.
Lebanon’s Energy Minister Joe Sadé welcomed this offer, highlighting the strategic importance of enhancing cooperation in the energy sector and expressing readiness to host Badawi for high-level discussions in Beirut.
Culture Minister Dr. Ahmed Henno underlined the historical and cultural unity between the Egyptian and Lebanese peoples, emphasizing Egypt’s commitment to deepening cultural cooperation through joint initiatives and exchange programs.
As the meeting concluded, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue, coordination, and mutual support. They agreed to hold the joint committee in early November and to work toward a comprehensive action plan to translate diplomatic goodwill into tangible outcomes. Dr. Madbouly also expressed his personal intention to visit Lebanon at the earliest opportunity.
This high-level engagement signals not only a renewed political partnership but also a broader strategy by Egypt to reinforce regional alliances and play a proactive role in stabilizing the Eastern Mediterranean amidst a turbulent geopolitical environment.
