Egypt stresses support for Lebanon's stability

Visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry on Wednesday conveyed a message of support for Lebanon's stability from President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to newly-elected President Michel Aoun.

During their meeting in Beirut, Shoukry invited the Lebanese president to visit Egypt.

"My visit is aimed at extending congratulations and expressing Egypt's relief over the election of a president and the formation of a unity cabinet," Shoukry said at a joint press conference with Lebanese caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil following their meeting.

The top Egyptian diplomat also held talks with Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and head of the Democratic Gathering MP Walid Jumblat.

At his meeting with Berri, Shoukry said he conveyed President Sisi's appreciation for the parliament speaker's role in achieving Lebanon's stability and filling the vacancies in its constitutional institutions.

He added that he discussed with Prime Minister Saad Hariri means of boosting ties between Egypt and Lebanon.

"We are looking forward to maintaining communication with all Lebanese parties in order to serve the interests of the two peoples," he said. Endit