The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Anita Demetriou, received this afternoon the Foreign Minister of Lebanon, Dr Abdallah Bou Habib.
The meeting underlined the long-standing, close friendship between the two countries, which, it was noted, are linked by parallel painful experiences and their commitment to common principles and values.
The Speaker expressed sincere thanks for Lebanon's principled positions on the Cyprus problem and efforts to resolve it on the basis of the UN resolutions on Cyprus. Ms Demetriou also expressed her gratitude for Lebanon's readiness to assist in the response to last summer's fires in Cyprus, assuring Cyprus of its full support and practical assistance in the difficult times Lebanon is going through.
Referring to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Speaker stressed that the strongest weapon, especially for small countries, was and remains their adherence to the principles of international law and international legitimacy. Cyprus, Ms Demetriou stressed, fully understands and feels what invasion and refugeeism means, has offered significant humanitarian aid to Ukraine and has embraced a large number of Ukrainian refugees who have so far taken refuge in our country, providing them with all possible support.
The President of the Parliament underlined that the migration issue is one of the most important current challenges and should be addressed in a spirit of unity and solidarity, always respecting human rights. Unfortunately, she said, Turkey, exploiting the need of these people for a better future, is channeling irregular migrants through the occupied territories to the Republic of Cyprus, which receives the largest number of asylum seekers in proportion to its population among the Member States of the European Union.
The Lebanese Foreign Minister said that for the Lebanese, Cyprus is their second home and a bridge to the West.
The Lebanese Foreign Minister said that Cyprus is their second home and a bridge to the West. He expressed gratitude for the significant assistance provided by the Republic of Cyprus to Lebanon by hosting a large number of Lebanese citizens living and working in Cyprus. Dr Bou Habib reaffirmed Lebanon's firm support to Cyprus on a principled basis, noting the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes.
The President was briefed on the situation in Lebanon, expressing confidence that the country will overcome the current difficulties and enter a new era of development and opportunities.
The meeting highlighted the important prospects for further strengthening relations and cooperation between Cyprus and Lebanon in areas of common interest and at various levels, including the parliamentary level, following the elections in the country next month.
(EC)
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