Egyptian FM stresses importance of empowering Lebanese army

CAIRO – 21 October 2024: Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdel Aty made Sunday a phone call with Speaker of the Lebanese House of Representatives Nabih Berri to discuss the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Minister Abdel Aty also presented the efforts deployed by Egypt to contain the situation and achieve a ceasefire and pacification, reaffirming Egypt's full backing to Lebanon and warning of escalation on the regional scale.

The minister condemned the Israeli violation of the country's sovereignty, and targeting of the Lebanese army, establishments as well as UNIFIL, asserting the salience that all parties abide by UNSC resolution no.1701 issued in 2006 on halting hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.

In a related context, he stressed the importance of empowering Lebanon's state institutions, primarily the army, and of selecting a president by national consensus.

Minister Abdel Aty underscored that Egypt would continue providing humanitarian and rescue aid to the Lebanese people, highlighting that the last shipment delivered on October 16 amounted to 22 tons.