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Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said Sunday that Israel must fully withdraw from five hills it continues to occupy in southern Lebanon, during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart, Najib Mikati, in Cairo.
Madbouly reiterated Egypt's support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, saying, "We support Lebanon’s position in preserving its sovereignty."
The Egyptian premier condemned Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, stating, "We strongly denounce the attacks and violations carried out by Israel in southern Lebanon."
"Israel must completely withdraw from the five hills it occupies in southern Lebanon," he added.
Although Israel’s army has partially withdrawn from some areas in southern Lebanon, it continues to occupy five strategic hills captured during recent clashes.
Madbouly said Egypt and Lebanon signed several memorandums of understanding (MoU) across multiple fields during the visit.
"We have instructed that these agreements be followed up immediately and that those with economic dimensions be implemented as soon as possible," he noted.
Highlighting the worsening of Lebanon’s economic crisis following recent Israeli attacks, Madbouly said, "The trade volume between the two countries reached $1 billion in 2024, but we can easily double this figure."
He affirmed Egypt’s commitment to contributing to Lebanon’s reconstruction, adding, "Egyptian companies are ready to provide all necessary support during this process."
Madbouly also announced that he would visit Beirut in December for an official visit aimed at strengthening bilateral ties.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati expressed satisfaction over Madbouly’s upcoming visit, emphasizing that cooperation between the two nations "goes beyond protocol."
Chairing the 10th Joint Higher Committee Meeting between Egypt and Lebanon in Cairo, Mikati said, "This meeting is not just a ceremonial event but part of a long-term cooperation process between the two countries."
He added that the discussions covered areas such as energy, water, scientific research, health, agriculture, environment, technology, transportation, and development, and confirmed that several MoUs were signed.
Mikati also attended the inauguration ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum and held talks with Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty during his visit to Cairo.
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