24 March 2017

BEIRUT: Prime Minister Saad Hariri concluded a two-day visit to Cairo Thursday, signing 16 protocols of cooperation and memoranda of understanding with Egypt.

We opened the door to investment for Lebanese businessmen in Egypt as well as for Egyptian businessmen to invest in Lebanon, he told a news conference after the first Lebanese-Egyptian Joint Higher Committee meeting since 2010.

Lebanese apples and medications are among some of the products which will be exported to Egypt, according to Hariri.

He added that increased tourism between the countries would see more Egyptian tourists in Lebanon and vice versa.

The first conference in seven years was co-chaired by Hariri and his Egyptian counterpart Sherif Ismail after the two held a closed-door meeting earlier in the day. Ismail held a luncheon in honor of Hariri and the nine Lebanese ministers accompanying him following the signing of the agreements which covered security, trade, consumer protection, culture, environment, tourism and industry.

In my opinion ... we achieved more than we expected, Hariri said.

Following the conclusion of his trip, Hariri spoke to a number of journalists, saying the agreements were not an alternative to deals with other Gulf countries. This committee has not met for seven years, so work on this issue had to be achieved. This committee is supposed to meet every year, but it did not and there was no communication between the governments of both countries. Thus, what is happening today will improve trade between Lebanon and Egypt, he said. When asked if the relationship between Lebanon and the Gulf had been damaged, Hariri admitted Lebanon experienced a rough period in the absence of a president. I believe that we are able to absorb these disputes and discuss them with our brothers in the Gulf we have no problem with the Gulf.

He added that the feeling was mutual between Lebanon and the Gulf as well. They do not have a problem with us, but there is a disagreement on the issue of regional interference in Lebanon. This interference is not in Lebanon alone but in the whole region, he said referring to recent Saudi-Iranian tensions.

Separately, Hariri said he respected President Michel Aoun just as any prime minister would. However, he did admit that he was at odds with Aoun with regards to Hezbollahs arms.

We will set our strategic differences aside in order to avoid putting the country at a standstill, Hariri said in an interview with Egyptian channel ONE HD.

Our official stance is to respect [U.N. Security Council Resolution] 1701 and all international agreements, he said.

When asked whether Daesh (ISIS) was unable to infiltrate Lebanese borders because of Hezbollahs role in Syria, Hariri flatly rejected the claim. This is not true; this is a political disagreement we have with Hezbollah. Interfering in Syrias affairs brings back problems to your country and these problems started after their interference.

Speaking of Irans influence in Lebanon, Hariri said, I would be lying to you if I said [there is no influence], but its not overwhelming.

He concluded, Our views on the matter are different but well set them aside for the sake of the building the nation.

Hariri added that the Saad Hariri of 2017 was different than the Saad Hariri of 2010. Saad Hariri ... learned from past experiences over the last seven years and I believe the entire region changed as well.

Responding to accusations that the Sunni community felt betrayed by Hariris actions over the years, such as endorsing former rival and current President Aoun. Does a division between Lebanese citizens benefit us? Or if I make a step toward endorsing President Michel Aoun who was elected benefit us? Hariri asked. He added that due to his move, the country was much better off than it was before.

The reporter asked Hariri what he would respond if his son asked him Who killed my grandfather? referring to the assassination of Hariris father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, in 2005. He already knows, Hariri said.

Hariri concluded his trip to Egypt Thursday after meeting with top ranking religious and political figures. In his first official state visit since taking office, he met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, Pope of Alexandria and Patriarch of the See of St. Mark Pope Tawadros II, and Al-Azhars Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Mohammad al-Tayeb.

Copyright The Daily Star 2017.