BEIRUT, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly reaffirmed here on Friday Cairo's support for Lebanon's stability and sovereignty.

"Egypt is continuing its intensive efforts to keep Lebanon away from any escalation and to safeguard its security and stability," Madbouly said at a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Nawaf Salam.

Madbouly rejected Israel's repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty and occupation of parts of its territory, urging an immediate and unconditional Israeli withdrawal, respect for the ceasefire deal, and full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

He praised the Lebanese leadership's efforts to restore stability and strengthen state institutions, particularly the Lebanese Armed Forces.

For his part, Salam welcomed Madbouly's visit as an affirmation of deep fraternal ties between Lebanon and Egypt, and thanked Egypt for its support in ending the Israeli occupation of parts of southern Lebanon and accompanying Lebanon on its reform and recovery path.

Madbouly held talks earlier in the day with Salam on enhancing bilateral cooperation in such key sectors as energy, transport, economy, infrastructure, education, irrigation, and digital development.

Madbouly also met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri later in the day. ■