Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty visited Beirut on Wednesday, meeting with top officials, including President Joseph Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, to consult on bolstering bilateral relations and supporting Lebanon's stability amid escalating tensions on its southern border. Abdelatty's visit, his fourth to Lebanon in less than 18 months, was conducted under directives from Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and focused on Cairo's commitment to Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity, according to statements released by the Egyptian Foreign Ministry. A central theme of the talks was the growing concern over the pace and scope of Israeli assaults on Lebanese territory. The Foreign Minister stressed the need for serious action to prevent further escalation and urged the full, simultaneous implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. "It is essential to prevent a slide into greater tension," Ambassador Tamim Khalaf, the Foreign Ministry Spokesman, was cited as saying following the meeting with Berri. Abdelatty further emphasised the necessity of halting all Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and empowering the Lebanese Army to perform its duties across the entire nation. In his meeting with President Aoun, Abdelatty conveyed Sisi's greetings and congratulations to Lebanon on the occasion of its Independence Day, expressing Egypt's appreciation for what the day symbolises for the country's national unity. He affirmed Egypt's readiness to leverage its regional and international relations network to support de-escalation efforts and maintain Lebanon's stability. Prime Minister Salam conveyed his profound appreciation for Egypt's historical stances and permanent role in supporting his country's stability, affirming the Lebanese government's commitment to close coordination with Cairo. Discussions also covered developments in bilateral relations, with Abdelatty expressing satisfaction with the positive trajectory since Prime Minister Salam's recent visit to Cairo, which resulted in the resumption of the Joint Higher Committee and the signing of 13 memoranda of understanding in key sectors. Egypt affirmed its keenness to build on this momentum to enhance cooperation in economy, investment, energy, and culture. On regional matters, Abdelatty reviewed Egypt's ongoing efforts, in cooperation with international partners, to solidify the Sharm el-Sheikh peace agreement and implement the UN Security Council resolution regarding Gaza. He also highlighted the preparations for the upcoming International Conference for Early Recovery and Reconstruction, noting that the success of these efforts would reflect positively on stability in Lebanon and the wider region. During his trip, Abdelatty also held phone calls with former Lebanese Presidents Amine Gemayel and Michel Suleiman, as well as former Prime Minister Tammam Salam, reiterating Egypt's steadfast position in rejecting any infringement on Lebanon's sovereignty and supporting its national institutions.
