by english.ahram.org.eg — In a meeting with the commander of the Lebanese army Joseph Aoun, Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi expressed his appreciation for the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces in keeping the balance and stability in Lebanon, the Egyptian presidency said in a statement. In the meeting on Wednesday with Aoun, who is currently on a visit to Cairo, El-Sisi said that national armies are the backbone that holds up the stability of nations and states. From his side, Aoun asserted that Lebanon is keen to boost its historical relations with Egypt and expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s role in supporting Lebanon in all fields. Aoun also delivered the greetings of Lebanese President Michel Aoun to President El-Sisi. Defense Minister Major General Mohamed Zaki and Lebanese ambassador to Cairo Ali El-Halabi attended the meeting.

The Egyptian Armed Forces takes pride in its deep-rooted ties with the Lebanese Armed Forces, Egyptian Minister of Defence and Military Production Mohamed Zaki said in a meeting in Cairo with Lebanese army Commander Joseph Aoun on Wednesday. According to the Egyptian Armed Forces’ statement on the meeting, Zaki said that he looks forward to seeing increased cooperation in the different military fields in the coming period. The meeting also discussed a number of issues of mutual concern in light of the current international and regional developments, in addition to mechanisms for enhancing military cooperation between the armed forces of the two countries. Aoun hailed Egypt’s crucial role in the region and the Egyptian Armed Forces for upgrading its combat capabilities to safeguard Egypt’s national security. Also, Chief-of-Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces Mohamed Farid met Aoun to discuss a number of issues of joint interest in light of military cooperation and the exchange of expertise between the Armed Forces in Egypt and Lebanon.