Salam Voices Confidence in Egypt and Its Army, Says Lebanon in Fierce Battle with Terror
Prime Minister Tammam Salam announced Friday his confidence in Egypt's ability to “overcome the tough phase,” as he reminded that Lebanon is also facing a “fierce terrorist onslaught.”
“We believe that investments in Egypt today would contribute to immunizing the Arab national security,” said Salam in a speech at the Egypt Economic Development Conference in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh.
“We are confident that the (Egyptian) armed forces are capable to fend off anyone seeking harm against Egypt and its people … and confident of the Egyptian people's capability to overcome this tough period,” the PM added.
He said that Lebanon wants to see Egypt “safe, strong and prosperous” with “an active role” in the Arab world.
During the conference, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE pledged a combined $12 billion in aid and investment to help Egypt's struggling economy. The conference is also aimed at bolstering Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's international standing and to help support his fight against jihadists.
Turning to the situation in Lebanon, Salam said the country is “fighting a fierce battle against terrorism.”
“We have succeeded in confronting this fierce onslaught and to achieve a high level of security immunity in the country through our army and security forces and the help of our brothers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other countries,” the premier added.
Since last year, the Lebanese army has been confronting jihadist groups entrenched on the country's porous eastern border with Syria. It fought bloody clashes with the militants after they overran the border town of Arsal on August 2.
Salam did not forget to salute Saudi Arabia, which has offered donations worth $4 billion to the Lebanese army, adding that “we need to seriously activate our joint Arab action.”
“Together with Egypt we are capable to foil strife, defeat darkness and emerge victorious in the struggle of wills. We can pave the way for our people towards a bright and promising future,” Salam added.
Earlier in the day, the premier held talks with Kuwait's Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah at his place of residence in Sharm el-Sheikh.
“The security situation in Lebanon is under control and the Lebanese army, which enjoys the support of all Lebanese, is confronting the terrorists on Lebanon's eastern border,” Salam told Kuwait's ruler during the meeting.
Sheikh Sabah for his part stressed his country's “keenness on Lebanon,” highlighting “the Kuwaiti people's love towards Lebanon and their determination to visit it regardless of the circumstances.”
The emir also hoped the Lebanese will be able to “overcome their differences and elect a president as soon as possible.”
Salam meanwhile urged Sheikh Sabah to reverse the decision to shut down the office of the Kuwaiti Development Fund and the emir “accepted the request,” according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
While in Sharm el-Sheikh, the premier also met with Jordanian King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and EU foreign affairs head Federica Mogherini.
Y.R.
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