President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi met on Wednesday with Lebanese prime minister Saad Hariri, who visited Egypt during his first official trip since again assuming the position of Lebanese prime minister in December 2016. He held the same office before, between 2009 and 2011. According to a statement issued by the Egyptian presidency, Al-Sisi received Hariri at the Ittihadiya presidential palace. Both of them expressed interest in fostering bilateral relations between their countries. Moreover, Al-Sisi praised Hariri's role in reaching a political agreement that unites all Lebanese factions, asserting Egypt's full support to the political stability of Lebanon. He also welcomed the establishment of a joint committee between both countries' prime ministers. The committee will oversee the signing of a number of agreements and memorandum of understanding in different fields to meet the needs of both countries' people. From his side, the Lebanese prime minister expressed appreciation for Egypt's role in the Arab world and praised its role in supporting security and stability in Lebanon. He further affirmed his interest in developing the relationship with Egypt in economic, commercial, and touristic fields. Furthermore, Hariri noted that his country is interested in increasing the exchange of commercial expertise between both countries, in addition to intensifying the exchange of expertise in the fields of health, transportation, and education. The presidency also noted in its statement that Al-Sisi discussed a number of subjects with Hariri and expressed Egypt's appreciation of the diversity of Lebanese society and the current government's stance in highlighting the need for moderation and avoiding tensions, including religious extremism and foreign interference. Hariri mentioned that Egypt has achieved great success in reaching stability and security, in addition to putting the Egyptian economy on the right path. He further noted that Lebanon is ready to cooperate with Egypt in countering terrorism.
