Hariri: Lebanese-Egyptian relations excellent

BEIRUT - 23 June 2018: Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri said that the Egyptian-Lebanese relations are "excellent" and are based on solid friendship.

This came during his meeting with Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria who is currently visiting Lebanon and the Orthodox Church delegation.

He described the visit of the pope as a great honor.

Hariri underlined that the diversity in Egypt and Lebanon is one of the strengths of the two countries and not a source of weakness, adding that wise leaders are fighting extremism, which in the end is a political matter and has nothing to do with religion.

He said: "Our strength lies in our moderation, and Lebanon always maintains this diversity which is stipulated in its constitution."

For his part, the pope expressed his hope for the success of Hariri's efforts to form the next government, stressing Egypt's care for Lebanon's stability and peace.

The two countries have always had strong ties and common denominators, especially with respect to diversity among different communities, especially between Muslims and Christians.