Egypt welcomes formation of new Lebanese gov’t as ‘important step toward new phase’

CAIRO – 8 February 2025: Egypt welcomed the formation of a new Lebanese government on Saturday as per a decree by the country’s president, Joseph Aoun, commending this “important step toward a new phase.”

“We commend this important step that would contribute to achieving security and stability in brotherly Lebanon and restoring [the country’s] regional status that it deserves,” the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Egypt hailed this “important step toward a new phase that fulfills the aspirations of the brotherly Lebanese people, restores Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, security and stability.”

The ministry stated that Egypt looks forward to the new Lebanese government gaining the parliament's confidence.

Moreover, Egypt vowed to continue providing all support to Lebanon to achieve security, stability and prosperity.

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration Badr Abdelatty began his visit to Beirut on Friday, by meeting with the Lebanese newly elected President Joseph Aoun.#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/lBBHNJKW65

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 31, 2025

President Joseph Aoun announced the acceptance of the former caretaker government's resignation and, alongside new Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, formed Lebanon's first full-fledged government since 2022.

Salam formed the country's first full government since 2022 on Saturday.

Salam's cabinet consists of 24 ministers evenly representing Christian and Muslim sects, established less than a month after his appointment. This comes as Lebanon seeks to rebuild its war-torn southern region and maintain border security.

Salam, a diplomat and president of the International Court of Justice, has outlined his goals to restore trust between citizens and the state, and improve relations with Arab neighbors and the international community.

He also plans to implement necessary reforms to address the ongoing economic crisis.

Salam also committed to upholding the ceasefire agreement that ended the recent Israeli war on Lebanon, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.

Aoun, Lebanon’s former army chief, was elected as the country’s president last month, breaking a political deadlock that has left Lebanon without a president since 2022.