Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, during his meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasized that "the current priority should be to stop the ongoing Israeli war in Gaza and the Israeli assaults on southern Lebanon." Mikati reiterated his "gratitude to Turkey for its consistent support for Lebanon in all areas," considering that "Turkey's support for the renovation of the Foreign Ministry building is part of the commendable steps to assist Lebanon in the current circumstances it is facing."
For his part, Fidan pointed out the "necessity of communication with the Israelis to urge them to cease fire, allow aid into the Gaza Strip, and work towards a final solution to the conflict based on a two-state solution." In a related context, Fidan confirmed during a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdullah Bouhabib in Beirut that his country "continues its efforts on two tracks: preventing the escalation of clashes and ensuring the swift delivery of aid to Gaza," stressing that "we are working to prevent the war from expanding to Lebanon and other countries."
Fidan stated: "We have clearly announced our full solidarity with the Egyptian position regarding what is happening in Gaza," considering that "the time has come for the international community to take a step towards establishing a Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital within the 1967 borders."
The Turkish Foreign Minister announced that "the foreign ministers of the member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation will meet tomorrow, Wednesday, in Jeddah." He added, "Egypt will host a summit of leaders from several countries on Saturday to discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."
Additionally, Army Commander General Joseph Aoun received Fidan in his office in Yarze, accompanied by Turkish Ambassador Barish Ulusoy and a delegate, discussing the general situation in the country and developments at the southern border. The Turkish diplomat arrived earlier today at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut for a visit lasting several hours, during which he will hold talks with several Lebanese officials. He was welcomed by the director of ceremonies at the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Abeer Ali, the Turkish Ambassador to Lebanon Ali Barish Ulusoy, and the staff of the Turkish embassy in Lebanon.
