Lebanon's Jumblatt Hails Egypt's Efforts to Avert Escalation

CAIRO - 5 September 2019: Lebanon's Progressive Socialist Party has expressed its appreciation to the Egyptian efforts aiming at averting any escalation, resolving regional crises, and restoring stability in the Middle East, Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.

Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry received on Wednesday head of the PSP Walid Jumblatt, where they discussed developments of the Lebanese situation and the regional issues, spokesman Ahmed Hafez said.

During the meeting, Shoukry expressed Egypt's appreciation for its special relations with Lebanon and the historical ties between the peoples of the two brotherly countries, Hafez said.

Shoukry affirmed, in this regard, Egypt's hope for the achievement of permanent security and stability in Lebanon. He also wished that Lebanon meets its national interests and avoid the dangers of conflicts in the region. Shoukry hailed the constructive and essential role played by Jumblatt to maintain stability and balance in Lebanon.

The Egyptian foreign minister earlier in September called Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri, to discuss the latest developments in the situation in Lebanon, after the recent escalation on border.

Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon on Sunday fired anti-tank missiles at Israeli forces located near the border. Israel said it fired back at the border. The Lebanese army estimated the number of missiles launched by Israel at 40 missiles earlier.

Shoukry affirmed Egypt's hope to see stability in Lebanon, Hafez said, pointing out that the call came within the framework of Egyptian efforts to limit the current tensions among all concerned parties and to prevent the deterioration of the security situation.

These efforts are based on Egypt's historic responsibility and role to preserve peace and stability in the region, Hafez said.

Egypt continues to closely follow up on the situation closely and to communicate with all parties concerned to maintain stability in Lebanon and avoid any further crises in the region, Hafez added.