Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi told Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri during a meeting in Cairo that Egypt rejects attempts at foreign interference in Lebanon’s domestic affairs, Egyptian presidency spokesman Bassam Rady said in a statement.
The statement is the first by Egypt on the situation in Lebanon after Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Al-Hariri announced his resignation on Saturday while in Saudi Arabia, citing fear for his life and accusing his foes, mainly Hezbollah, of political interference.
Rady said that the meeting included discussions on the latest developments in Lebanon’s domestic affairs, where Berri stressed the importance of reconciliation between Lebanon’s political powers, preserving the national interest and reaching political stability.
El-Sisi expressed Egypt’s support and its wish to see the preservation of peace and security in Lebanon, stressing the importance of averting internal tension as well as religious or doctrinal extremism.
The president added that he has confidence in the Lebanese factions’ ability to safeguard Lebanon.
“Only the people of Lebanon should be the ones to reach a political formulation that satisfies them and accomplishes the interests of the Lebanese nation,” the statement added.
Berri expressed his appreciation towards Egypt, praising the “strong relationship” between the two countries, adding that he hopes to see a boost in economic relations.