Shoukry discusses Lebanon crisis with his Jordanian counterpart

CAIRO – 12 October 2017: Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry met his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi on Sunday upon his arrival in Amman, Foreign Ministry’s spokesman, Ahmed Abu Zeid, stated.

During the meeting, the two parties discussed the recent political and security-related developments in Lebanon and Syria.

The meeting also discussed methods of reaching a political settlement in Syria, under the auspices of the United Nations. The Egyptian efforts to reach the Palestinian reconciliation were an important issue of discussion.

They also reviewed the regional and international efforts to encourage the Palestinian and Israeli sides to resume the peace process.

On the other side, the two ministers expressed their keenness to enhance bilateral cooperation; stressing their need to consult over and coordinate the overall situation in the region, Abu Zeid added.

Shoukry visited Joradan at the beginning of the Arab tour which includes Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, in which he is set to discuss bilateral relations with these countries.

Abu Zeid stated that Shoukry’s visit comes within the framework of permanent consultation between Egypt and Arab countries on the overall bilateral relations and the situation in the region.

The developments on the political scene in Lebanon and the growing challenges in the Arab region require intensifying consultation and coordination between Egypt and the Arab countries, Abu Zeid added.

Lebanon's Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri sparked a political crisis last week by declaring his surprise resignation in Riyadh.

His resignation has thrust Lebanon back onto the front line of the Middle East's most biting rivalry, pitting a mostly Sunni bloc led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, against Shi'ite Iran and its allies.

Before his resignation, Saudi Arabia accused Lebanon of declaring war against it because Hezbollah’s aggression; dramatically escalating the crisis and threatening to destabilize tiny Lebanon.

During the tour, Shoukry will deliver verbal messages from President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi to the leaders of Arab countries.

Egypt's steady stance to preserve Arab solidarity in the face of the various challenges that the region is witnessing will be conveyed in the tour, Abu Zeid added.