Egypt FM arrives in Beirut to deliver humanitarian aid, facilitate citizens repatriation

Ahram Online , Wednesday 13 Nov 2024

Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty arrived in Beirut, Lebanon, on Wednesday to deliver a new shipment of humanitarian aid as part of Egypt’s airlift initiative and facilitate the repatriation of Egyptian citizens, read a statement by the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Abdelatty
Lebanon’s Minister of Environment and Coordinator of the Government Emergency Committee, Nasser Yassin, (third from left) receiving Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Badr Abdelatty, (third from right) on Wednesday, upon his arrival at Beirut Airport. Photos courtesy of Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs

 

The foreign ministry indicated in its statement that the aid is part of President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's directives to maintain the Egyptian air bridge and offer continued support to Lebanon and its people in response to the brutal Israeli aggression.

In a meeting with Nasser Yassin, Lebanon's minister of environment and coordinator of the Lebanese Emergency Committee, Abdelatty stressed that "providing aid to Lebanon is a duty for Egypt, not a favour."

According to the ministry statement, Wednesday's shipment contained 21 tons of food and essential supplies, bringing the total Egyptian aid to Lebanon to 88 tons.

During the meeting, the top diplomat reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to offering full support and assistance to the Lebanese people in dealing with their current crisis, as Al-Qahera News reported.

The visit follows a meeting between El-Sisi and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday at the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh. During the meeting, the president reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to supporting Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to the ministry, Abdelatty's visit aims to convey a message of solidarity to the Lebanese people, as Lebanon faces significant political and humanitarian challenges due to the recent Israeli aggression on its territories.

 

In a separate meeting on Wednesday with General Joseph Aoun, the commander of the Lebanese Army, Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's full support for all Lebanese state institutions, particularly the Lebanese army, commending its vital role in ensuring Lebanon’s stability despite the significant challenges.

He also stressed Egypt’s unwavering support for Lebanon in confronting the Israeli aggression, which violates Lebanon's sovereignty and flagrantly breaches international law.

Furthermore, Abdelatty outlined Cairo's ongoing efforts to engage with regional and international parties to secure an immediate ceasefire, implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and enable the Lebanese Army to regain control over the south, while offering comprehensive support.

The Egyptian foreign minister also expressed Cairo’s concern over the worsening internal displacement crisis in Lebanon, calling for intensified humanitarian aid through all diplomatic channels.

Abdelatty will also meet with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss efforts toward a ceasefire, according to Al-Qahera News. 

The top diplomat underscored Cairo's opposition to making Lebanon's presidential election a precondition for a ceasefire.

Furthermore, Abdelatty mentioned that the Extraordinary Arab and Islamic Summit in Riyadh led to the establishment of a six-party mechanism, including Egypt, to enhance international efforts to stop Israeli aggression.

The summit condemned Israel's ongoing aggression against Lebanon, including violations of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

It called for an immediate ceasefire and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, expressing solidarity with Lebanon in its struggle against Israeli aggression.

Previous Egyptian efforts
 

Wednesday's shipment is Egypt's fourth aid shipment to Lebanon. It is part of the ongoing support for Lebanon, which saw multiple relief shipments delivered.

On 23 October, Egypt dispatched its third relief shipment to Lebanon, comprising 23 tons of medical supplies and humanitarian aid provided by the Egyptian Red Crescent and the Ministry of Health.

Following this aid delivery, EgyptAir evacuated 293 Egyptians from Beirut, bringing the total number of repatriated nationals to 883.

This shipment arrived at Beirut Airport amid a brutal five-week-long Israeli assault that has caused widespread casualties and displaced over 1.2 million Lebanese. 

A week earlier, on 16 October, Egypt sent a second humanitarian shipment totalling 33 tons of essential food items and living supplies to aid displaced Lebanese families affected by the crisis. 

Egypt dispatched its initial aid shipment on 5 October amid escalating hostilities in Lebanon. It carried 22 tons of medical and relief supplies. 

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