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- Ελληνικά
The President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Nikos Christodoulides, visited Lebanon this morning together with the President of the European Commission, Mrs Ursula von der Leyen, where they met with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Mr Najib Mikati.
After the meeting and their extended talks, the three leaders made statements to the media.
In his remarks, the President said, among other things, that Lebanon is the closest neighbour to Cyprus, with whom Cyprus shares long-standing friendly relations.
He added that today is a historic day, during which a significant financial support package will be provided to Lebanon and its people for the development of various programmes.
"I am convinced that this package will enhance Lebanon's capacity to manage multiple challenges, including border management and the security of its citizens, among many others," President Christodoulides said.
He also expressed thanks to the President of the Commission for her leadership, determination and action in providing the financial support.
He noted that today's visit is significant both in substance and symbolically, as Ms. von der Leyen is the first Commission President to visit Lebanon, which is a sign that the European Union (EU) will continue to stand by the country.
She added that together they can tackle common challenges, noting that Cyprus has always been, like him personally, a strong supporter of further strengthening EU-Lebanon relations.
"Due to our geographical proximity, Cyprus has a deeper understanding of the challenges and issues facing Lebanon that directly affect Cyprus, as well as the EU," the President said, underlining the negative impact of the situation in Syria.
President Christodoulides further noted. I want to assure you that Lebanon's efforts are not taken for granted. Also, we cannot continue with the status quo. This issue must be addressed decisively, comprehensively and effectively.
I want to be clear. The current situation is not sustainable for Lebanon, it is not sustainable for Cyprus, it is not sustainable for the EU. It has not been sustainable for years, but developments, particularly in recent months, force us to find immediate solutions. We need to work more closely and extensively with our partners, as well as with the UNHCR, to discuss the issue of voluntary (return) and beyond. The situation in some areas of Syria needs to be reviewed."
Finally, he said that "peace, stability, prosperity in Lebanon will only come if we all fulfill our commitments."
In her remarks, the Commission President said, among other things, "We are here to say that the EU strongly supports Lebanon and its people and we want to strengthen our long-standing partnership."
This was the very clear message from the European leaders at our last meeting.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus and I are here in a spirit of unity on the part of Europe to reiterate this message."
He added that they discussed, among other things, ways to support Lebanon's security and stability. We want to contribute to Lebanon's socio-economic stability, first by strengthening basic services such as investment, health and others," Ms. von der Leyen said.
She added that the EU will support reforms in the country which will allow Lebanon's business and banking sector to regain confidence.
She also underlined that the EU will support the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Services by providing training, equipment and assistance in relation to border management infrastructure through an agreement with Fronex.
"To address the migration issue, we are determined to maintain legal channels to Europe and to settle refugees from Lebanon in Europe. At the same time, we rely on your good cooperation to prevent illegal migration and to fight migrant trafficking," Ms. von der Leyen said.
She added that to manage Syrian migrants and ensure their well-being in host countries, the EU will continue to provide financial assistance.
For his part, the Lebanese Prime Minister said that during their meeting they discussed Lebanon's bilateral relations with EU member states, particularly Cyprus, as well as developments in Gaza.
He added that he renewed his call on the EU to help the Palestinian people and reach a solution in the Middle East, as well as to end the offensive in southern Lebanon.
He stressed the need for collective action to address the migration issue, especially the Syrian influx, and its negative effects.
He also noted that the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the President of the European Commission in Lebanon reflects the change in EU policies with regard to Syrian migrants in Lebanon, which is facing the greatest burden of the refugee influx from Syria.
He added that his country is ready to cooperate with other states to handle the issue.
He pointed out that Lebanon's security is directly linked to the security of the countries in the region and the EU and vice versa, stressing that what is happening on Cypriot soil is just an indication of what can happen to the EU if the issue of migratory flows is not handled effectively.
Finally, he expressed his gratitude to President Christodoulides for his efforts towards providing assistance to Lebanon.
After the statements, the President of the Republic had a meeting with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Mr. Nabih Berri, followed by a working lunch with the Prime Minister and President von der Leyen.
(PM/AF/NYAN)
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