The caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has begun a series of meetings and discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, ahead of the 32nd regular session of the Arab League summit scheduled for this afternoon. In this context, the Prime Minister held a meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi this morning, attended by the Lebanese delegation which included: Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Minister of Industry George Bouchikian, Minister of Tourism Walid Nassar, and Minister of Agriculture Abbas Al-Haj Hassan.
From the Egyptian side, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and Head of General Intelligence Abbas Kamel participated. President Sisi emphasized his ongoing support for Lebanon and its recovery process, expressing hope for the election of a new president for Lebanon as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister expressed his appreciation for President Sisi's continuous support for Lebanon in all areas, as well as his deep affection for the Lebanese people, noting his consistent efforts to assist Lebanon in addressing its challenges. Mikati also praised Egypt’s efforts in mending Arab ties, halting Israeli aggression in Gaza, and addressing the conflict in Sudan.
Mikati then met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al-Sudani in Jeddah before their participation in the opening of the Arab summit. The Iraqi Prime Minister expressed his affection for Lebanon, considering the two nations as twins. Mikati remarked, "Iraq has always been the outstretched hand to Lebanon in the difficult circumstances the country is facing," thanking the Iraqi state for its constant support towards Lebanon. He considered the recent Iraqi initiative regarding oil supplies to Lebanon to be essential support for all Lebanese people and all productive sectors at this time.
Mikati also thanked Iraq for facilitating the transit of trucks through Iraqi territory to Gulf countries, noting that a memorandum of understanding will be signed soon between Lebanon and Iraq.
