Lebanese President Joseph Aoun arrived in Cairo on Monday, kicking off an official visit to Egypt at the invitation of President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. The visit is seen as part of Beirut’s broader push to strengthen regional partnerships and secure support for its armed forces amid heightened regional tensions.

Aoun headed directly to the Ittihadiya Palace for talks with President Sisi, with security cooperation high on the agenda.

In a joint press conference with his Egyptian counterpart, Aoun hailed the deep-rooted bond between Lebanon and Egypt, evoking moments of solidarity, such as when Beirut embraced Egyptian writers and politicians during times of censorship and mourned alongside Cairo during its darkest hours.

On the regional front, Aoun underscored Lebanon’s commitment to peace and sovereignty.

“Peace for us begins with full adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701,” he said, also calling for Israel to cease its violations, return to the terms of the 1949 Armistice Agreement, and withdraw from all occupied Lebanese territory in line with internationally recognized borders.

The Lebanese president urged the international community to fulfill its responsibilities by pressuring Israel to implement the ceasefire agreement reached on November 26, which includes the withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the return of all Lebanese detainees.

Aoun also emphasized Lebanon’s keenness to maintain strong relations with neighboring Syria,  stressing the importance of bilateral coordination to address shared challenges, especially the Syrian refugee crisis.

“We must ensure the dignified and safe return of Syrian refugees,” he said, revealing that both governments had agreed to form joint committees to expedite this process.

He reaffirmed Lebanon’s support for Syria’s unity, sovereignty, and the aspirations of its people, welcoming recent moves to lift sanctions, which he hoped would help Syria recover and stabilize the region.

“Lebanon has always been a pioneer of constructive ideas in this region,” Aoun added. “Our distinguishing feature is our people, and our added value lies in our commitment to freedom and pluralism. Today, we face the challenge of peace for the entire region, and we are ready for it.”

“Only a peace rooted in justice can be lasting. We are confident that the world, with your help and the voice of Egypt amplifying our own, will hear our message and act on it.”

President Sisi, in his address, warmly welcomed Aoun, describing the Lebanese president’s visit as carrying special symbolic weight.

“This visit reflects the strength of our historical and strategic ties and our shared vision across generations,” Sisi said. “Egypt and Lebanon have long stood as a model of true Arab brotherhood.”

He noted that the visit came at a time of heightened regional tension, affirming that the bilateral relationship remains steadfast across all domains. The two leaders, he said, used the talks to explore ways to deepen cooperation, particularly in economic and trade sectors. Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s readiness to support Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts by sharing its extensive technical expertise.

“Egypt firmly supports Lebanon, whether in its quest for internal stability or in defending its full sovereignty,” he stated. “We categorically reject Israel’s ongoing violations of Lebanese territory and its continued occupation of Lebanese land.”

Sisi emphasized Egypt’s continued efforts to mediate through regional and international channels to pressure Israel into a full and unconditional withdrawal from Lebanese territory, urging the implementation of UNSC Resolution 1701 in a comprehensive and non-selective manner.

“This would allow Lebanon to extend its sovereignty across its territory and empower the Lebanese Army to assert control south of the Litani River,” he explained.

He also renewed his call for the international community to take responsibility in rebuilding Lebanon and encouraged donor agencies and international institutions to contribute meaningfully to this effort, helping Lebanon return to its natural path of peace, coexistence, and regional engagement.

“Egypt will continue to stand by Lebanon, Mr. President, and by the Lebanese government in all efforts aimed at preserving Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty,” Sisi said. “Together, we will strengthen our bilateral ties across all fields, so that Lebanon may once again shine as a beacon of culture and enlightenment in the Levant and the Arab world.”