Caretaker Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil stressed that the election of a president was only the beginning, hoping that the cabinet will be formed soon, followed by passing a new electoral law and holding the parliamentary elections.
During a joint conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shekri, Bassil noted that “Lebanon succeeded despite the pressures imposed by terrorism, refugee crisis and the presence of a racist enemy at the borders,” pointing out that the dialogue logic defeated violence.
“Egypt and Lebanon are symbols for the civil state that maintains equality, freedom and plurality,” he stated.
The minister added that, through the president’s oath of office, Lebanon adopted an independent foreign policy based on serving the interest of the country and respecting the Arab League Charter.
For his part, Shekri stressed that Egypt stands by Lebanon and supports the will of the Lebanese people.
“We look forward to pursue our bilateral cooperation,” he stated, pointing out that President Sisi invited President Aoun for an official visit to Egypt.
The Egyptian official then went to Clemenceau where he met with Progressive Socialist Party chief MP Walid Jumblatt, who said that the cabinet formation has been delayed due to local matters rather than regional, adding that “disadvantaged factions” have the right to demand their rights.