Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aty met on Sunday with Masad Boulos, Senior Adviser to the US President for Arab, Middle Eastern and African Affairs, to discuss security challenges across Africa, particularly in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, Libya and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Abdel-Aty reviewed Egypt's efforts to support peace and stability in these countries and to strengthen the concept of the nation-state across Africa. He highlighted Egypt's role in post-conflict reconstruction and the importance of empowering national institutions, preserving territorial integrity and securing international support to alleviate humanitarian suffering in conflict zones. Libyan Crisis On Libya, the minister reiterated Egypt's firm stance, stressing the need to safeguard Libya's unity, stability and sovereignty. He called for full Libyan ownership of the political process, support for legitimate institutions, and the unification of executive, economic and security structures. He underlined the need to disband militias, ensure the departure of all foreign forces and mercenaries, and reject any form of illegitimate foreign military presence. The talks also addressed developments in Lebanon. Abdel-Aty affirmed Egypt's continued support for Lebanon's government and national institutions, rejecting any violation of its sovereignty or territorial integrity. He called for the full and immediate withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 by all parties, and the cessation of hostilities. Syria Support On Syria, Abdel-Aty expressed Egypt's support for the Syrian people and respect for Syria's sovereignty and territorial unity. He stressed the need for an inclusive political process that brings together all components of Syrian society to help the country move past its current crisis and restore stability. For his part, Boulos praised the strong ties between Egypt and the United States and Egypt's pivotal role in promoting security and stability across Africa and the Middle East. He expressed Washington's desire to work closely with Cairo to deepen the strategic partnership between the two nations in the coming period. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: M. S. Salama
