Egyptian, Lebanese FMs discuss efforts addressing regional tensions

CAIRO – 18 October 2024: Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty received a phone call today, October 18, from his Lebanese counterpart Abdullah Bou Habib.

The two officials discussed the latest developments in Lebanon and the efforts being made to address the deteriorating situation in the region.

During the call, Minister Abdelatty highlighted Egypt's ongoing efforts to achieve an immediate ceasefire and restore calm.

He emphasized the necessity of reducing escalating tensions at this critical juncture to prevent the region from descending into a large-scale conflict, which would have severe repercussions for regional and international peace and security, undermining stability in the area. Abdelatty reiterated his condemnation of the Israeli army's deliberate targeting of UNIFIL forces' sites and equipment in southern Lebanon.

The Foreign Minister also reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to strengthening Lebanese national institutions, particularly the Lebanese army, to ensure stability in Lebanon.

He underscored the importance of implementing Security Council Resolution 1701 in all its aspects.

Abdelatty expressed Egypt's eagerness to continue providing various forms of support to Lebanon during these critical times. This includes the recent arrival of a new shipment of Egyptian relief aid to Beirut on October 16, 2024, which comprised 22 tons of food and essential supplies to alleviate the hardships faced by the displaced. This brings Egypt's total relief aid to Lebanon to 44 tons thus far.