Lebanon’s newly elected President Joseph Aoun visited Cairo on Monday, May 19, as part of his ongoing diplomatic tour to rebuild Lebanon’s regional alliances and reinforce solidarity with key Arab partners. The visit marked Aoun’s first official trip to Egypt since taking office and underscored his administration’s focus on diplomacy amid continued Israeli aggression and internal instability.
The Lebanese leader was warmly received by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi at the presidential palace in Cairo. During a joint press conference, both leaders delivered strong statements condemning Israel’s ongoing strikes on Lebanese territory and called for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701.
Egypt and Lebanon United on Israeli Aggression
Speaking to the press, President el-Sissi emphasized Egypt’s ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border. He urged the international community to act swiftly to bring about Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied Lebanese territory.
“Egypt continues its intensive efforts and contacts with various regional and international parties to push Israel towards an immediate and unconditional withdrawal from all Lebanese territory,” President el-Sissi declared. “This must be done while respecting the cessation of hostilities agreement, and ensuring the full and simultaneous implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701.”
The resolution, adopted in 2006, ended the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah and called for the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon and the respect of the Blue Line demarcation.
Aoun Calls for Peace, Disarmament, and Regional Cooperation
President Aoun, who assumed office after a tightly contested election amid Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political turmoil, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to Resolution 1701 and emphasized the importance of national sovereignty and disarmament of non-state actors.
“Lebanon remains committed to implementing the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in its entirety, including the disarmament of all armed groups within our borders,” Aoun stated. “The sovereignty and security of Lebanon cannot be compromised.”
The statement was viewed as a subtle but clear reference to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant and political group that maintains significant military capabilities in southern Lebanon. Although Hezbollah claims its armed presence has decreased since the November ceasefire, it has also accused Israel of violating Lebanese sovereignty through repeated airstrikes and military patrols near the border.
Israeli officials maintain that their operations target Hezbollah infrastructure and personnel allegedly involved in efforts to rearm and reestablish operational bases in the south.
Restoring Arab Ties and Addressing the Syrian Refugee Crisis
Aoun’s Cairo visit also highlighted Beirut’s intention to mend strained ties with fellow Arab nations, many of which had grown wary of Lebanon’s internal political instability and Hezbollah’s increasing influence over state affairs.
For years, Lebanon’s relations with key Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and Egypt, had cooled, largely due to concerns over Iranian interference and Hezbollah’s expanding role in Lebanese governance. Aoun’s latest regional outreach is seen as a strategic move to signal a shift toward balanced diplomacy and greater regional cooperation.
“We are committed to restoring and strengthening our relations with all Arab brothers,” Aoun said during the press conference. “This visit to Egypt is a testament to Lebanon’s sincere desire for closer ties, cooperation, and solidarity with the Arab world.”
Aoun also addressed the ongoing burden Lebanon bears from hosting over one million Syrian refugees who fled the war-torn neighboring country. While Lebanon has consistently called for support from the international community, Aoun signaled a new urgency to ensure their return.
“Lebanon cannot indefinitely shoulder the burden of over a million displaced Syrians,” Aoun said. “We call for a safe and dignified return of all Syrian refugees to their homeland, in coordination with the new authorities in Damascus.”
This statement suggests that Lebanon is ready to engage more constructively with Syria’s post-war government, a move likely to be met with cautious scrutiny from Western allies and Arab states who remain divided over their stance on Syrian President Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
Regional and International Implications
The Cairo summit between Aoun and el-Sissi comes at a critical juncture for the Middle East. With conflicts in Gaza, Syria, and southern Lebanon simmering, and Israel continuing its military operations in multiple zones, Arab leaders have grown increasingly vocal about the need for collective action.
Egypt, under el-Sissi’s leadership, has positioned itself as a central mediator in many of the region’s flashpoints, particularly between Israel and its neighbors. Lebanon’s renewed engagement with Cairo could signal the beginning of a wider Arab diplomatic initiative aimed at curbing further escalation.
Meanwhile, observers note that Aoun’s public commitment to disarming all militant groups and reinforcing Lebanon’s neutrality could open the door to renewed international support, provided his administration takes concrete steps to reduce Hezbollah’s military influence and restore confidence in Lebanon’s state institutions.
Aoun’s Vision for a New Lebanon
Joseph Aoun’s presidency comes at a time when Lebanon faces unprecedented challenges — from a collapsed economy and a dysfunctional political system, to deep divisions over the future role of armed groups and foreign alliances.
His visit to Egypt was not only symbolic but strategic, aimed at asserting Lebanon’s autonomy while aligning with key Arab allies. By emphasizing peace, diplomacy, and regional solidarity, Aoun is seeking to chart a new course that distances Lebanon from proxy conflicts and repositions it as a responsible and sovereign actor in the Arab world.
“Lebanon is ready to reclaim its role as a bridge between East and West, and as a responsible member of the Arab family,” Aoun concluded. “Together, we can build a future based on mutual respect, sovereignty, and peace.”
As regional dynamics continue to shift, all eyes will be on whether Aoun can deliver on his promises and navigate Lebanon through this turbulent chapter toward recovery and renewed relevance on the global stage.
