29/10/2017 9:20
Remarks by President of the Republic, Mr Nicos Anastasiades, after his meeting with Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr Saad Hariri
It is a pleasure and a great honour to welcome you and your delegation to Cyprus. I am particularly happy to reciprocate the excellent and warm hospitality extended by Lebanon during my very fruitful visit last June.
Cyprus and Lebanon are much more than close neighbors in the Eastern Mediterranean. The history and strong bonds between our two countries and their peoples follows the trail of the Phoenician civilization and has endured through time and adversity.
Our relations have grown closer and stronger throughout our long history, precisely because they are anchored on a shared value base and a deep-rooted respect for one another.
My visit to Lebanon last June and your visit today constitute ample proof of the close relationship between Lebanon and Cyprus and of our joint commitment to further enhancing and upgrading our ties, at the politico-economic sphere, but also people-to-people contacts.
Our discussions with Prime Minister Hariri today were very productive, fruitful, and constructive. We discussed a number of issues, including ways of further advancing our bilateral relations, EU-Lebanon relations and how Cyprus can actively support their enhancement, as well as the latest developments in our efforts for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem.
We had an overview of the progress achieved in our bilateral relations since we met last June in an array of areas such as commerce, energy, education and tourism. And I’m happy to note that we are proceeding with the conclusion of pending bilateral agreements.
I look forward to hosting a trilateral meeting of Cyprus-Lebanon-Greece in the upcoming weeks or months. We also discussed the developments in the wider region. The volatility that characterizes the regional context renders Lebanon’s stability indispensable.
We are aware of the many challenges Lebanon is facing. Cyprus acknowledges the continuous efforts of the country in fighting terrorism. In this context, I want to reiterate my country’s commitment in supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces and I am happy to announce that Cyprus will be delivering a new military assistance package to the Lebanese Armed Forces.
I would like to once more commend the Government of Lebanon and the Lebanese people for their generosity in hosting more than 1.5 million Syrian refugees. We are fully aware of the impact this has placed on the Lebanese society, especially on the more vulnerable groups. I would like to assure you Prime Minister that Cyprus will continue to assist Lebanon in overcoming these challenges, bilaterally and trough the channels of the European Union.
Despite the intensive efforts and commitment of our side at Crans Montana, Turkey’s insistence on the issues of security and guarantees, the maintenance of rights of intervention, the presence of foreign troops, contrary to international law and the parameters set by the UN Secretary-General, did not allow the Conference to yield any results.
In spite of the outcome of Crans Montana, our side remains committed to continuing negotiations for a comprehensive settlement that is in line with international law, the relevant UN Security Council resolutions, as well as EU law. The reunited Cyprus must be a functional, viable, independent sovereign state, able to uphold its regional bridging role. Indeed, this role becomes even more pertinent if one considers the significant challenges our volatile region faces.
Mr Prime Minister,
The Cypriot and the Lebanese people have stood by each other, in solidarity throughout time. We stand here today, determined to strengthen our bonds and cooperation, committed to continue working together for the mutual benefit of our two countries and our region.
source:https://www.pio.gov.cy/MOI/pio/pio2013.nsf/All/182DD1BEFC2427D5C22581C800285B3C?OpenDocument&L=E
