Egypt has reiterated its strong backing for Lebanon’s sovereignty and stability during a high-level meeting in Beirut, where Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed Cairo’s full support for President Joseph Aoun’s recently announced security roadmap for southern Lebanon. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Baabda presidential palace, underscored Egypt’s commitment to helping prevent further escalation along Lebanon’s tense southern border.
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency, Abdelatty assured Aoun that Egypt “will spare no effort” in leveraging its regional and international ties to ease tensions and “defuse the crisis.” He strongly condemned Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and stressed the importance of adhering to international resolutions. Abdelatty also endorsed the Lebanese government’s decision to restrict all weapons to state institutions, a central element of Aoun’s security plan.
The Egyptian foreign minister described his fourth visit to Beirut in 18 months as a clear sign of Egypt’s deepening engagement with Lebanon. He highlighted strong coordination between the two countries at the presidential and ministerial levels, pointing to a series of recent high level meetings and the reactivation of the Egyptian Lebanese Joint Higher Committee.
In a separate statement, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said any Egyptian initiative toward Lebanon is grounded in support for its unity, sovereignty, security, and stability. Abdelatty expressed concern over what he called an escalation of Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory and urged full implementation of UN Resolution 1701. The resolution calls for the withdrawal of Israeli forces, respect for the Blue Line, and an end to violations of Lebanese airspace and land.
President Aoun thanked Egypt for its “steadfast and supportive positions” over the years and acknowledged Cairo’s role in promoting regional stability. He said Lebanon is ready to deepen bilateral cooperation and appreciated Egypt’s assistance across political and security issues.
Abdelatty and Aoun also discussed regional developments, including efforts to consolidate the Gaza ceasefire agreement. Abdelatty outlined Egypt’s role in facilitating the implementation of UN Resolution 2803, passed on 17 November, which relates to the ceasefire and humanitarian access. He also noted Egypt’s preparations for the upcoming International Conference on Early Recovery and Reconstruction of Gaza.
The visit comes just five days after Aoun unveiled his new security roadmap for southern Lebanon. The plan includes deploying the Lebanese Army to the border region once Israeli forces halt their violations and withdraw from remaining areas. Aoun presented the roadmap at the army’s South Litani Sector headquarters in Tyre, saying it would be submitted to the Quintet Committee, which includes the United States, France, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Qatar. The proposal aims to stabilise the frontier and is now part of broader diplomatic efforts to prevent renewed conflict.
