Title: Mikati Receives Agriculture Minister Departing for Egypt and a Delegation from the Maronite League

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati met with Agriculture Minister Abbas Al-Haj Hassan this morning at the Grand Serail. Minister Al-Haj Hassan stated, "I briefed the Prime Minister on the issues being addressed at the Ministry of Agriculture, and of course, the primary concern is the situation in the South amidst the ongoing shelling since October 7 on our lands and farms. I also informed him about the memoranda of understanding we are about to sign with several brotherly and friendly countries, notably Turkey, the Russian Federation, and also our sister Algeria. Today, I will be visiting Egypt to discuss some agricultural files with the Egyptian Minister of Agriculture, and I will have other meetings. I will address some issues that need to be discussed with the Egyptian side, with whom we maintain a very good brotherly and cooperative relationship, not just regarding imports, exports, and the exchange of agricultural products, but a relationship that goes much deeper, reflecting brotherhood and partnership with the Egyptian people." He added, "I also briefed him on the Ministry of Agriculture's plan, which is nearing completion, to boost the freshwater and marine fishing sectors. Prime Minister Mikati confirmed that this plan is very promising, essential, and crucial, especially since this sector supports no less than forty thousand families, who are among those most in need of state support." The Prime Minister also received a delegation from the Maronite League.