CAIRO - 19 MAY 2025: Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi held high-level talks on Monday with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Cairo, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations and coordinating efforts to restore regional stability.
During a joint press conference following their meeting, President Aoun delivered a powerful speech steeped in historical and cultural symbolism, emphasizing the deep-rooted brotherhood between Lebanon and Egypt.
“People say Egypt is the ‘Mother of the World’ and Beirut is the ‘Lady of the World’ – and this reflects a truth engraved in our shared history,” Aoun stated. He cited ancient inscriptions from Karnak Temple that mention Byblos (Jbeil), underlining millennia of cultural and civilizational ties.
The Lebanese president paid tribute to Egypt’s historic role as a sanctuary for freedom of thought and expression, recalling how Cairo welcomed Lebanese intellectuals and journalists during times of political repression. “When Beirut’s pens were silenced, they flowed with literature and politics on the banks of the Nile,” he said.
Calling for a renewed Arab brotherhood, Aoun proposed the creation of a joint Arab interest system, beginning with a shared regional economic market between any two willing countries and expanding from there. “We must anchor our unity in a forward-looking Arabism based on mutual interests and modern cooperation,” he added.
President Aoun stressed that achieving peace and stability in the region requires a just and lasting resolution to ongoing conflicts – first and foremost the Palestinian cause. He reiterated Lebanon’s firm adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and emphasized the importance of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He called on Israel to cease hostilities, respect Lebanon’s sovereignty, and fully withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territory, including Shebaa Farms and Kfarshouba Hills.
He also highlighted the urgency of resolving the Syrian refugee crisis, emphasizing the need for the safe and dignified return of Syrian nationals to their country. Aoun revealed that Lebanon and Syria had agreed to form joint committees to coordinate this process.
Lebanon, he affirmed, supports all efforts to preserve Syria’s unity and sovereignty, welcoming the recent easing of sanctions on Damascus and expressing hope for a broader regional recovery.
“Lebanon’s strength lies in its people, in its freedom and pluralism,” Aoun concluded. “We are ready to embrace a peace rooted in justice. And we are confident that, with Egypt’s voice and support, the world will listen.”
The visit marks a significant step in reaffirming the historic bonds between Egypt and Lebanon, and underscores Cairo’s ongoing diplomatic role in promoting regional dialogue and stability.
Mon, May. 19, 2025
