Cyprus is committed to advancing negotiations on a comprehensive strategic agreement between the European Union and Lebanon, President Nikos Christodoulides said on Thursday during talks with Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji in Nicosia.
Meeting Rajji at the presidential palace, Christodoulides underscored the importance Cyprus attaches to Lebanon and said Beirut's territorial integrity and sovereignty remained a priority for Cyprus.
The Cypriot president said Nicosia was seeking to replicate for Lebanon the type of EU engagement it had promoted for Jordan and Egypt.
"Within the framework of our participation in the EU, we remain committed – and we will succeed – in launching negotiations for a comprehensive EU-Lebanon strategic agreement, as we did through our initiative for Jordan and Egypt," Christodoulides said.
The president said he had discussed the issue repeatedly with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and had written to her urging that discussions move forward as soon as possible.
Christodoulides also highlighted his close contacts with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, saying the two leaders held frequent telephone conversations aimed at coordinating efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.
He added that Cyprus would continue working within the EU to deepen ties between Brussels and Beirut.
Grateful for support
Rajji, who also addressed a conference of Cypriot diplomatic mission heads during his visit, conveyed greetings from Aoun and thanked both Christodoulides and Cyprus for their support.
"We thank both you personally and the Republic of Cyprus for everything you do for us. We know what you are doing for us," Rajji said.
The Lebanese minister also praised Cyprus' role within the European Union, saying Christodoulides had left "his personal mark" on European and Mediterranean affairs.
Meanwhile, on the same day, President Christodoulides also received the credentials of the new Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon Reina Charbel at the Presidential Palace.
Relations at their peak
Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis later described Cyprus-Lebanon relations as being at their strongest point, particularly since Aoun assumed office.
He said Cyprus had consistently supported Lebanon through EU and UN channels and had played a leading role in efforts to safeguard stability and security in the country.
According to Letymbiotis, Rajji briefed both Christodoulides and Cypriot officials on developments in Lebanon, while Nicosia reiterated that regional security remained a priority and that Lebanon's stability was a key component of that objective.
Cyprus, the EU member state geographically closest to Lebanon, has frequently positioned itself as a bridge between the Middle East and Brussels and has stepped up diplomatic engagement with Beirut amid efforts to support stability in the eastern Mediterranean.
