El Sisi, Aoun hold joint press conference, underline solidarity against terrorism

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi stressed in a joint press conference he held with his Lebanese counterpart, General Michel Aoun, that "the excellent relations between our two countries is the culmination of communication between the Lebanese and Egyptian peoples." 

El-Sisi congratulated "the people of Lebanon on the completion of the presidential elections and the formation of the government," stressing that "Egypt was the first to welcome the political settlement which was made in Lebanon, away from the interventions of foreign countries." 

"We tackled bilateral cooperation between the two countries and discussed regional issues such as terrorism and the Syrian crisis," he said, stressing that "Egypt will continue to support the Lebanese Army in its fight against terrorism." 

For his part, President Aoun called upon the Egyptian President to visit Lebanon, noting that his official visit to Egypt aimed at "emphasizing the brotherly relations between the two countries." 

"Discussions have touched on the heated situation in the Middle East," General Aoun said, pinning hopes on Egypt's key role in this regard.
"Egypt, which is known for its moderation and openness, could launch an Arab rescue initiative to fight against terrorism which we have suffered from both in Lebanon and Egypt. Violence cannot anchor peace. It rather spaces borders and exacerbates divisions," he said, stressing that "there is no salvation for our two countries but via full solidarity against terrorism." 

"We have emphasized the need to achieve just and comprehensive peace, to guarantee the Palestinian people's right to return and establish their State," Aoun said, thanking Egypt for its unyielding support to Lebanon. 

The Lebanese president also stressed "the need to consolidate the joint Egyptian-Lebanese Higher Committee's activities."

Source :NNA