CAIRO, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi met Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Cairo on Wednesday and affirmed Egypt's support for Lebanon's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, the presidency said in a statement.
Sisi said Egypt was holding intensive contacts with international and regional parties to help ensure Lebanon's stability and secure a full Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. He also stressed the need for international backing for Lebanon's state institutions, particularly the army, so they can carry out their responsibilities.
The Egyptian president praised recent steps by the Lebanese government to extend state authority across the country, restore stability and launch economic recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Salam outlined his government's priorities, including strengthening cooperation with Arab states, especially Egypt. His visit comes amid escalating tensions between the government and Hezbollah after Beirut decided earlier this month to place all weapons under state control, a move Hezbollah rejected as serving Israeli and U.S. interests.
The two leaders also discussed regional issues and agreed on the importance of intensifying joint efforts to pursue political and peaceful solutions to crises in the region, while stressing respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of affected states. ■
