Lebanon president praises Egypt support during crises ahead of Cairo visit - Foreign Affairs

Al-Ahram Weekly

19-05-2025

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed profound gratitude to President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi for Egypt's consistent support to Lebanon during political crises and difficult times, specifically during the COVID-19 pandemic and the Beirut port explosion in 2020.
The Lebanese president said this one day before his official visit to Egypt on Monday.
Speaking to the ON E TV channel, President Aoun said Egypt has stood by Lebanon in the most challenging times, emphasizing the strength of Lebanese-Egyptian ties.
'The relationship between our two nations, and our two peoples, is historic and deeply rooted,' he stated.
Egypt: A pillar of Arab unity
During the interview, Aoun praised Egypt's enduring role in the Arab world, noting that it has always understood Lebanon's complexities.
'Egypt has long played a leading role in the region. It understands Lebanon's position and helps preserve regional stability. We consider Egypt a fundamental partner,' he expressed.
Aoun cited late President Gamal Abdel-Nasser's 1959 meeting with then-Lebanese President Fouad Chehab as a milestone affirming Lebanon's Arab identity.
The Lebanese president also recalled late President Anwar El-Sadat's historic declaration: 'Take your hands off Lebanon,' an iconic testament to Egypt's steadfast commitment to supporting Lebanon's sovereignty.
During his visit, Aoun plans to discuss bilateral relations, regional developments, and enhanced coordination with President El-Sisi.
Key topics include benefiting from Egypt's expertise in gas, electricity, and reconstruction and Lebanese army support, particularly engineering equipment for demining operations and tunnel detection.
He is also expected to discuss regional files, including US President Donald Trump's recent Gulf tour and the lifting of sanctions on Syria.
In addition, Aoun will meet with religious and political leaders, including Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed El-Tayyeb, Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria, and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
Rebuilding Lebanon
President Aoun also discussed Lebanon's current challenges and progress.
'We are building a sovereign state with full independence in decision-making. After 100 days in office, indicators in tourism and the economy are encouraging,' he said.
The Lebanese president also emphasized that economic reform is a Lebanese demand, not merely a response to international pressure.
'Two essential tasks lie ahead: consolidating the state's monopoly on arms and ensuring the state exclusively decides matters of war and peace,' he added.
Aoun advocated the importance of dialogue in resolving issues instead of military confrontations.
He also acknowledged the army's significant role, particularly south of the Litani River, where it controls 85-90 percent of the area apart from Israeli-occupied zones.
Syria, regional stability
President Aoun welcomed lifting the sanctions on Syria, crediting Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's diplomatic efforts.
Furthermore, he affirmed that revitalizing Syria's economy would positively impact Lebanon.
He said Lebanon is currently hosting nearly two million Syrian refugees, approximately 40 percent of its population, noting that the circumstances that once justified their displacement have largely changed.
Additionally, he reviewed ongoing efforts to facilitate their return, coordinated with Syria and international organizations, and highlighted upcoming bilateral border demarcation efforts.
'The entirety of the Lebanese-Syrian land border is under Lebanon's army control now,' he said, a notable contrast from the pre-2010 era when state presence along the border was minimal.
Gulf, international ties
Aoun revealed ongoing communication with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE.
'The Gulf states' return is tied to economic reform, security, and stability. We've seen positive responses, especially from the UAE and Qatar. We expect Saudi investment interest to follow,' he said.
Aoun also noted that Saudi travel restrictions to Lebanon might soon be lifted and that Kuwait has shown readiness to ease its travel advisories.
On Iran, Aoun said any potential US-Iran agreement would benefit the region.
'Our relationship with Iran should be based on mutual respect and non-interference. States must engage with states, not with factions,' he asserted, emphasizing that he had delivered this message clearly to Tehran.
Confrontation with Israel
Aoun criticized Israel for failing to honour the ceasefire agreement, although Lebanon has complied.
'There are still five occupied Lebanese points, daily airstrikes, and detainees held by Israel. We've asked leaders, including the UAE President, to pressure Israel to withdraw,' he continued.
Aoun supported indirect talks on land borders under US mediation, similar to the maritime border negotiations. He said the army is ready to deploy across the southern border, contingent upon Israeli withdrawal.
He also highlighted US President Donald Trump's support for Lebanon, noting that Beirut is in constant communication with Washington to put pressure on Israel.
"We expect a visit soon from the US envoy to Lebanon, with the focus on the south," Aoun said.
He also reiterated that Hezbollah is a Lebanese political group with parliamentary representation, emphasizing that the state alone must control weaponry and decisions of war and peace.
'The army and the state must protect everyone,' he said.
Beirut port explosion
Aoun, who was an army commander at the time, described his loss when two soldiers were killed and his son was near death.
'I passed by the port an hour before the explosion,' he recalled.
'Was it negligence, corruption, or something more sinister? No one is above accountability — not even me,' he said
"Reconstruction remains a priority. We need $14 billion to rebuild the South alone. We're in talks with the World Bank to finance infrastructure reconstruction," he explained.
New vision for Lebanon
'Lebanon has survived because of its people's resilience. My priorities are national stability, security, rebuilding the state, and economic reform,' he said, praising the Lebanese people's strong will.
"I understand the fears of the Lebanese because of the wars they have experienced for 50 years," he expressed.
"If it weren't for their ability to adapt to reality, Lebanon wouldn't exist," he affirmed.
Aoun reiterated his gratitude to Egypt and the Arab world, calling for collective Arab strength through unity.
'There is no such thing as impossible when building a state,' he concluded.
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