Egyptian Ambassador to Lebanon Mohammad Badr al Din Zayed on Monday said Egypt and Lebanon have strong and close relations.

Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab will soon meet with his Lebanese counterpart Tammam Salam to discuss bilateral relations and regional files of common interest, including cooperation in the fight against terrorism and ways to boost trade exchange between the two countries, which currently stands at $700 million, compared to $one million before January 25 revolution, the ambassador said in an interview with a Lebanese local newspaper.

Lebanese army commander Gen. Jean Kahwaji will also visit Cairo on May 23 to participate in current meeting of the Arab chiefs of staff, he added.

on Syria, the ambassador said Egypt supports a political settlement for the crisis to preserve the unity of the land and protect the people.