The Minister of Culture, Dr. Ghassan Salamé, received the Ambassador of the Arab Republic of Egypt to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, in his office at the Sanayeh National Library. They discussed cooperation and cultural exchanges between the two countries.

The Egyptian Ambassador stated after the meeting: "Our relations have always been good, and we have common ground, particularly in the cultural sector. Our relationship with Minister Salamé is truly long and rich, with many successful experiences." He added: “My meeting today focused on the bilateral aspect in this area, and we focused more on antiquities, as Lebanon is home to a number of Egyptian antiquities. The Lebanese state, represented by His Excellency the Minister, has also expressed its willingness to return them to Egypt as soon as possible. We are therefore preparing these files, hoping to organize an event soon dedicated to the return of antiquities to Egypt. This will remain a major focus of Egyptian-Lebanese coordination and will also encourage other countries with Lebanese antiquities to return them to Lebanon, just as Lebanon returns antiquities to their rightful owners. Lebanon also has the right to claim antiquities scattered around the world. This is a good example, and, God willing, it will be crowned with success.” » Asked about his opinion regarding the developments in Lebanon following yesterday's decision by the Council of Ministers to restrict weapons, he replied: "In truth, we see that the Lebanese state agrees on key points, including the principle of limiting weapons to the state. The question remains how to implement this approach. We see the efforts made by His Excellency President Joseph Aoun, as well as by the government and its Prime Minister. What happened yesterday is positive, and this issue is under discussion. I believe that the Council of Ministers made important decisions yesterday, and a session is scheduled for tomorrow to discuss them with the Lebanese state and the army. The situation is changing, because what happened is true, and we cannot reach a conclusion without dialogue and without engaging in the implementation of what is sought. »

He added: "Indeed, the state's actions and the decisions of yesterday's Council of Ministers are good indicators. They require careful consideration and in-depth research on the best ways to establish a mechanism that allows the Lebanese state to achieve its objectives."

Regarding his assessment of Egypt's role in Lebanon, he stated: "Egypt continues to play a role and supports Lebanon with all its institutions. President Joseph Aoun's approach to the challenges facing the Lebanese state, including the issue of arms control, is supported. The day before yesterday, the Lebanese president and his Egyptian counterpart, President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, spoke by telephone. Many topics were discussed, not only concerning the two countries, but also the situation in the region, especially since it has a significant impact on both countries." »

Moussa concluded: "This is an opportunity to exchange views, and I confirm that our perspectives are largely identical on most of the major and important issues we are currently facing."