President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi receives Lebanese counterpart Joseph Aoun in Cairo. Egyptian presidency
President El-Sisi said this while speaking at a press conference with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who began an official visit to Egypt on Monday.
During the press conference, El-Sisi said Egypt is continuing intensive efforts and contacts with regional and international parties to press Israel for an immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all Lebanese territories.
He also called on Israel to respect the cessation of hostilities agreement and fully implement Security Council Resolution 1701 without selectivity.
Resolution 1701, unanimously approved by the UN Security Council on 11 August 2006, called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon following the Israeli aggression against the country.
It stipulated that the Lebanese army and the UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon, would be the only armed forces permitted south of the Litani River, approximately 30 km (about 20 mi) from Lebanon's southern border.
He said this would ensure the Lebanese state can extend its sovereignty over its lands and enhance the role of the Lebanese army in imposing its influence over the south of the Litani River.
Moreover, the Egyptian president renewed his call to the international community to shoulder its responsibilities toward Lebanon's reconstruction.
He also urged international organizations and donor agencies to participate actively in this effort to ensure Lebanon's return to its natural path, toward peace, coexistence, and love in the region.
Gaza ceasefire & reconstruction
El-Sisi and Aoun emphasized the necessity of immediately ending the aggression on the Gaza Strip, resuming the ceasefire, releasing captives and prisoners, and allowing the entry of humanitarian aid.
El-Sisi also reiterated Egypt and Lebanon's support for the Palestinian cause, rejecting any attempts to displace Palestinians or liquidate their cause.
He urged the international community to mobilize resources for Gaza's reconstruction, allowing the Palestinian Authority's return to the strip.
Additionally, he called for expanded recognition of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
"This path is the only guarantee for achieving lasting peace and stability in the region," he said.
Inclusive political process in Syria
El-Sisi and Aoun also discussed the latest developments in Syria, reaffirming their support for the Syrian people.
They highlighted the need for an inclusive political process during the transitional period that combats terrorism and rejects sectarianism.
Both presidents also condemned the repeated Israeli violations against Syrian sovereignty, demanding Israel's withdrawal from the occupied Syrian territories and respect for Syria's territorial integrity.
El-Sisi said his discussion with Aoun was a precious opportunity to exchange views on ways to bolster cooperation between both nations, adding that the visit reflected the historical bilateral ties.
He also affirmed Egypt’s commitment to supporting Lebanon's reconstruction efforts through its “pioneering” expertise in the field.
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