Lebanese President Michel Aoun received an official invitation from his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to visit Egypt. Aoun met on Wednesday with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at the Baabda Palace. He said afterwards that he would visit Egypt the soonest possible, stressing "the strength of the Lebanese-Egyptian relations and the necessity to promote cooperation in all fields." "Lebanon has overcome the difficult conditions it witnessed and it is now regaining its role and presence, based on the convergence achieved among the Lebanese factions and their rallying around the oath", Aoun said following the meeting. "We are working on anchoring this sense of understanding, and we consider that each country that achieves rooted stability must be supportive to other countries," the Lebanese president said, hoping to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis. The Egyptian minister conveyed to Aoun the greetings of President Sisi, and handed him a written message which stressed Egypt's confidence in the new mandate and in its ability to lead the country to further progress and stability. The letter also highlighted the deep-rooted Lebanese-Egyptian ties and the importance of working hand-in-hand in favor of Arab causes and against all challenges. Addressing reporters following the meeting, Shoukry said that his visit was "an affirmation of the close relationship between the two countries and a proof of Egypt's interest in Lebanon's affairs, mainly in the election of President Aoun and the return of stability." "We see in Lebanon an important basis for Arabism and for maintaining common interests in the Arab Orient," he stated. "We face common challenges, better, through cooperation, solidarity and harmony," he added. Shoukri also met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad al-Hariri and other Lebanese officials. Source: Asharq Al-Awsat
