Beirut: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli affirmed that Egypt's efforts to halt the escalation in southern Lebanon are part of its commitment to supporting Lebanon's peace, stability, and development. The prime minister's remarks came during expanded talks with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam at the Grand Serail in Beirut. The discussions focused on enhancing security and cooperation in economic fields between the two nations.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Madbouli conveyed President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's greetings to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He emphasized Egypt's political support for Lebanon and appreciated the warm welcome extended to the Egyptian delegation. Madbouli called for an end to Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty and adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1071.

The prime minister also highlighted the importance of implementing agreements from the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Supreme Committee meetings, held in Cairo last month, to boost economic cooperation. He urged both countries to increase trade exchange and expressed Egypt's readiness to cooperate in sectors like energy, petroleum, and infrastructure.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam thanked Egypt for its efforts to maintain stability in southern Lebanon and affirmed Lebanon's commitment to strengthening economic reforms. He expressed a desire to enhance cooperation with Egypt based on agreements from the Cairo meetings.

The talks were attended by Egyptian and Lebanese ministers. Kamel el-Wazir, Egypt's Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development, emphasized the potential for increased trade and transport links between the two countries. Mahmoud Esmat, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy, discussed developing electricity infrastructure and renewable energy cooperation.

Karim Badawi, Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, highlighted opportunities for cooperation in petroleum exploration and natural gas. Lebanese Minister of Finance Yassine Jaber and Minister of Energy Joseph Saddi discussed coordination in taxation, electronic invoicing, and energy sectors. Lebanese Minister of Industry Joe Issa-El-Khoury expressed a desire for further trade cooperation.