Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, and Cypriot President, Nicos Christodoulides, on Monday affirmed the strong historical ties between Lebanon and Cyprus, highlighting their mutual commitment to preserving security and stability. During a bilateral meeting at the Grand Serail, both men discussed the Syrian refugee crisis, agreeing on the need for a comprehensive and sustainable solution.

Following discussions, it was agreed that Cyprus would seek with the European Union to establish a “practical framework” with Lebanon, similar to what the EU has with Egypt and Tunisia. This anticipated step is expected to provide the Lebanese government with more necessary assistance and give Syrian refugees incentives to return to their country.

During the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed Christodoulides stating, “It is my pleasure to welcome you to Lebanon, and your visit indicates the strong and historical friendship between our countries. I am confident that our discussions and interactions will strengthen the
bonds of cooperation between Lebanon and Cyprus.”

“Your presence here is a testament to the importance of our bilateral relations, and I am eager to engage in fruitful and constructive dialogue during your stay in our country to solidify our shared relations and find a sustainable solution to the issue of refugees from Lebanon and to it,’ Mikati told the Cypriot President.

“Lebanon and Cyprus have a common interest in addressing the challenges posed by illegal migration, and there is potential for cooperation in empowering relevant institutions to control maritime borders. Lebanon and Cyprus are active members of regional organizations such as the League of Arab States and the European Union, where they will raise their voices to help crystallize the required solutions to common issues,’ Mikati added.

“As one of the largest host countries for refugees in terms of population, Lebanon bears multiple burdens that have not only an immediate impact on its security and stability but also on its future existence.
Our demographic reality is unique, and Lebanon cannot afford any change in this reality,’ the Prime Minister explained.

“Over the past years, Lebanon has received Syrian refugees fleeing war and has committed to international principles and norms. It is necessary for the European Union and the international community today to take new steps and reconsider their policies regarding Syria’s security because most areas in Syria have become safe for the return of refugees,’ Mikati added.

“The army and Lebanese security forces are doing their utmost to stop illegal migration, but this can only be achieved by the return of those seeking safety to safe areas in Syria or securing their stay in a third country. It is also necessary to make more efforts to address the root causes of refugee crises. Countries will work through international organizations to support policies to prevent future displacement and enhance peace and permanent stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. This crisis requires cooperation and shared
responsibility between host countries and the international community. Through working together, we can make a beneficial impact and provide hope for them,’ Mikati concluded.

For his part, the Cypriot President expressed the importance of his fraternal visit with a government delegation to Lebanon, emphasizing that “Cyprus’s neighborhood policy with Lebanon is based on the brotherhood that connects the historical relations between the two countries.”

“My visit to Lebanon is the first after assuming the presidency, and it comes following the recent developments resulting from the large preparations for Syrian refugees and illegal immigrants, who depart from the Syrian coast or through the Lebanese coast, and the illegal boats that depart from the Lebanese coast to Cyprus,’ Christodoulides said.

“Cyprus understands the Lebanese situation and the sensitivity of the issue to Lebanon and the importance of a final and comprehensive solution to this issue by exerting pressure on the European Union and internation
al forums to understand the challenges facing Lebanon. At the same time, we understand Lebanon’s official position that the final solution will only be achieved by their return to their lands, especially since there are specific areas that have become safe in Syria, and the majority of refugees are economic refugees. It is up to the international community and international organizations to work to fund development projects in Syria and encourage their return to their country to solve this crisis, which affects not only the security of Lebanon and Cyprus but also the security of the Mediterranean,’ Christodoulides added.

The Cypriot President also stressed that “Cyprus supports Lebanon in all international forums by increasing technical and financial support to the Lebanese state institutions, including the Lebanese army.”

Christodoulides arrived at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport at around 10:00 a.m. on Monday and was received by Prime Minister, Najib Mikati. From there, both men proceeded to t
he Grand Serail, where an official reception ceremony was held in the courtyard, with the Cypriot national anthem playing first, followed by the Lebanese anthem.

Meanwhile, Minister of Interior and Municipalities, Judge Bassam Mawlawi, and his Cypriot counterpart, Konstantinos Ioannou, held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Serail talks, discussing issues of common interest between the two countries.

Lebanese Army Commander, General Joseph Aoun, also held a meeting with his Cypriot counterpart, Lt. General Georgios Tsitsikostas, during which they discussed security cooperation between the two countries.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon