Egypt expressed on Friday its complete support to Lebanese state institutions in their efforts to form a new government despite months of political wrangling. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri hoped that Lebanese parties will “soon” succeed in forming a government that represents all segments of society. He made his remarks after holding talks at the Baabda presidential palace with Lebanese President Michel Aoun. Shoukri was in Lebanon to attend the Arab Economic and Social Development Summit (AESD). Aoun handed the minister a message to his Egyptian counterpart, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, in which he hailed fraternal ties between their two countries. He also lauded Cairo’s efforts in supporting peace, stability and development in the region. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ahmed Hafez said that his country is “proud of the strong and unique bonds it enjoys with Lebanon and its people.” He added that Cairo is keen on bolstering cooperation on regional affairs in order to bolster joint Arab efforts to counter various challenges.