El-Sisi praises Lebanon's efforts to extend state authority in call with Aoun

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi praised Lebanon’s efforts to extend the authority of its national institutions across the country during a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. El-Sisi welcomed the ceasefire announcement in Lebanon and commended efforts to restore security and stability. He highlighted Egypt’s efforts to support Lebanon and distance it from regional tensions, reaffirming Egypt’s rejection of any attacks on Lebanon’s security, sovereignty, or the interests of its people. President Aoun expressed appreciation for Egypt’s solidarity and support, and briefed El-Sisi on developments in US-brokered direct negotiations. Aoun stressed Lebanon’s commitment to a peaceful, fair, and sustainable political settlement that preserves the country’s sovereignty, security, unity, and territorial integrity. The two leaders agreed to intensify coordination between Cairo and Beirut. Lebanon and Israel agreed to a 10-day ceasefire on Thursday following US-brokered talks, pausing Israeli strikes. The truce aims to enable good-faith negotiations toward a permanent security and peace agreement. All parties recognize that Lebanon’s security forces bear exclusive responsibility for the country’s sovereignty and national defense. Under the deal, the Lebanese government is committed to taking steps to prevent Hezbollah and other non-state armed groups from launching attacks against Israeli targets.