Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati emphasized today, Monday, their commitment to the historical and brotherly relations between Lebanon and Cyprus, as well as their joint efforts to maintain the security of both nations and the Eastern Mediterranean. They stressed the importance of finding a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Syrian refugee crisis and the resulting impacts on the region, particularly Lebanon and Cyprus.
As a result of the discussions, it was agreed that Cyprus would work with the European Union to establish a "practical framework" with Lebanon, similar to agreements made between the EU and Egypt and Tunisia. This anticipated step could provide the Lebanese government with additional essential aid and offer incentives for Syrian refugees to return to their homeland.
President Christodoulides and Prime Minister Mikati held a bilateral meeting at the Grand Serail following Christodoulides’s official one-day visit to Lebanon, which was followed by extensive talks involving Lebanese officials, including the Minister of Interior and Municipalities Bassam Mawlawi, Army Commander Joseph Aoun, Lebanese Ambassador to Cyprus Claude Hajal, Director General of the Presidency Antoine Shaker, Secretary General of the Cabinet Judge Mahmoud Moukai, Director General of Internal Security Forces Major General Imad Othman, Acting Director General of General Security Major General Elias Bechara, Foreign Affairs Ministry Advisor Farah Khateeb, and Mikati’s Advisor Ziad Mikati. Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib and Defense Minister Maurice Slim were unable to attend due to official commitments abroad.
On the Cypriot side, foreign minister Constantinos Kombos, interior minister Constantinos Ioannou, Ambassador of Cyprus to Lebanon Maria Haji Theodosiou, government spokesperson Constantinos Letymbiotis, and Cypriot Army Commander General George Tsitsikostas participated in the discussions.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister welcomed the Cypriot president, saying, "It is my pleasure to welcome you to Lebanon. Your visit signifies the strong, historical friendship between our two countries, and I am confident that our discussions and interactions will strengthen the bonds of cooperation and synergy between Lebanon and Cyprus." He added, "Your presence here is a testament to the importance of our bilateral relations, and I am keen to engage in a fruitful and constructive dialogue during your stay in our country to deepen our shared relations and find a lasting solution to the refugee issue from and to Lebanon."
Mikati noted, "Lebanon and Cyprus have a mutual interest in addressing the challenges posed by illegal immigration, and there is potential for cooperation in empowering competent institutions to manage maritime borders. Lebanon and Cyprus are active members of regional organizations such as the Arab League and the EU, where they will raise their voices to help formulate the required solutions for common issues."
He stated, "As one of the largest host countries for refugees relative to its population, Lebanon bears numerous burdens that affect not only its immediate security and stability but also its future existence. Our demographic reality is unique, and Lebanon cannot sustain any changes to this reality." He added, "Over the past years, Lebanon has welcomed Syrian refugees fleeing the war and has adhered to international principles and conventions. It is essential for the EU and the international community to take new steps and reconsider their policies regarding Syria’s security, as most areas of Syria have become safe for the return of refugees."
Mikati emphasized that "The Lebanese Army and security forces are making every effort to curb illegal immigration, but this can only be achieved through the return of those seeking safety to secure areas in Syria or their settlement in a third country." He also stressed the importance of further efforts to address the root causes of refugee crises and stated that both countries would work through international organizations to support policies that prevent future displacement and promote lasting peace and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean. He concluded that "This crisis requires cooperation and shared responsibility between host countries and the international community. By working together, we can create a positive impact and provide hope for them."
For his part, the Cypriot president expressed the significance of his brotherly visit to Lebanon, emphasizing that Cyprus's neighborhood policy with Lebanon is based on the brotherhood that binds their historical ties. He remarked, "This is my first visit to Lebanon after assuming the presidency, following recent developments due to the large influx of Syrian refugees and undocumented migrants sailing from Syrian shores or via the Lebanese coast to Cyprus."
The Cypriot president noted, "Cyprus understands the Lebanese situation and the sensitivity of this issue for Lebanon and the importance of a comprehensive and final solution to it, by pressing the EU and international forums to grasp the challenges Lebanon faces. At the same time, we understand the Lebanese official stance that the final solution will only come through their return to their lands, especially since certain areas in Syria have become safe. The majority of refugees are economic migrants, and the international community and organizations should work to fund development projects in Syria to encourage their return home and resolve this crisis, which threatens not only the security of Lebanon and Cyprus but also that of the Mediterranean."
The Cypriot president also emphasized that his country supports Lebanon in all international forums by increasing technical and material support for Lebanese state institutions, including the Lebanese Army.
President Christodoulides arrived at Rafik Hariri International Airport around 10 a.m. and was received by Prime Minister Mikati. They then proceeded to the Grand Serail, where official reception ceremonies took place, including the playing of the Cypriot national anthem followed by the Lebanese anthem, after which the two presidents reviewed a contingent of the government guard and greeted the Cypriot and Lebanese delegations.
