Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly called for deeper economic integration between Cairo and Beirut through private sector involvement and infrastructure projects, noting bilateral trade surpassed $1bn in 2024. He also demanded an immediate Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories, affirming Egypt's full support for the Lebanese government's efforts to extend state authority. This came during high-level talks in Beirut on Friday.
During an economic forum at the Beirut Chamber of Commerce and Industry on Friday, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that Egypt views Lebanon as a pivotal and strategic economic partner, not merely a political ally. He emphasized that the private sector is the true engine of growth and that Egyptian-Lebanese cooperation, if properly invested, can serve as a successful model for Arab economic integration. He noted that bilateral trade has grown steadily over the past four years but remains below the potential of both countries, requiring the removal of procedural barriers and encouragement of direct partnerships between Egyptian and Lebanese firms.
Expanded bilateral discussions at the Government Palace with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam reviewed the implementation of agreements reached during the Egyptian-Lebanese Joint Higher Committee held in Cairo last month. On infrastructure, Madbouly highlighted urgent reconstruction needs in southern Lebanon, particularly in electricity, water, roads, and telecommunications, asserting that Egyptian public and private companies possess the experience to execute major projects, extending to long-term partnerships involving expertise transfer, personnel training, and joint investment using Arab and international funding.
In industrial development, Egypt’s Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development Kamel al-Wazir confirmed the appointment of a dedicated point of contact to coordinate with Lebanese authorities and proposed establishing maritime shipping lines and land transport via neighboring states to facilitate goods movement. In the energy sector, Minister of Electricity and Renewable Energy Mahmoud Esmat discussed cooperation in developing electrical infrastructure and localizing components for renewable energy stations, complemented by Minister of Petroleum Karim Badawi's plans for partnership in oil and gas exploration and domestic gas networks in Lebanon. Badawi stated that Egypt is prepared to meet Lebanon’s natural gas needs as it increases production to cement its position as a regional energy hub. Lebanese Energy and Water Minister Joseph al-Sada confirmed continuous communication between the ministries to activate these natural gas and renewable energy projects.
On financial reform, Lebanese Finance Minister Yassin Jaber noted coordination with the Egyptian Ministry of Finance to exchange expertise in taxation and electronic invoicing, aligning with Prime Minister Salam’s confirmation of Lebanon’s commitment to economic reform and centralization of state authority for a stable investment climate.
Politically, Madbouly demanded the “immediate and unconditional” withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territories, affirming Cairo’s total support for the Lebanese government’s efforts to extend state authority. He praised steps taken by the Lebanese government to restore state institutions, primarily the Lebanese Army, to secure civil peace and national stability. “Egypt views Lebanon as a fundamental pillar of stability in the Arab Mashreq,” Madbouly said, reiterating rejection of repeated Israeli violations and occupation of parts of southern Lebanon, despite a U.S.-mediated ceasefire in November 2024, with the Israeli military maintaining control over five sites in the south. He stated Egypt’s support aims to enable the Lebanese Army to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, ensuring weapons remain solely in the hands of official state institutions. Lebanese Prime Minister Salam described the relationship as a “shared history,” highlighting Egyptian efforts to end the Israeli occupation, stop hostilities, and secure prisoner releases.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, receiving Madbouly at Baabda Palace, expressed appreciation for President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi’s commitment to Lebanon’s security and progress, emphasizing activation of recently signed memorandums to serve both nations' interests and hoping for restored peace and security in the region. Madbouly described the visit as a message of political support for Lebanon during a “delicate stage,” noting the distinguished level of bilateral relations and momentum in coordination at presidential and ministerial levels. The two countries recently signed 15 agreements covering trade, investment, food security, electricity, renewable energy, industry, petroleum, gas, and reconstruction during the 10th session of the Joint Higher Committee in Cairo last month.
