The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulidis, met with the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, and the President of the European Fee in Beirut, whereas after the assembly and their prolonged talks, the three leaders made statements, with Ursula von der Leyen saying financial help bundle to Lebanon, to strengthen stability within the nation.
In his statements, the President of the Republic stated, amongst different issues, that Lebanon is the closest neighbor to Cyprus with which they share long-term pleasant relations.
He added that in the present day is a historic day, throughout which an vital monetary help bundle will probably be given to Lebanon and its folks for the event of assorted applications.
“I’m satisfied that this bundle will strengthen Lebanon's capabilities to handle a number of challenges, together with border administration and the safety of its residents,” stated President Christodoulidis.
He additionally expressed because of the President of the Fee for her management, dedication and motion in relation to the supply of monetary help.
He famous that in the present day's go to is vital each substantively and symbolically, as von der Leyen is the primary Fee President to go to Lebanon and is an indication that the EU will proceed to face by the nation.
He added that collectively they’ll handle frequent challenges, noting that Cyprus has at all times been, like him personally, a powerful supporter of additional strengthening EU-Lebanon relations.
“Because of our geographical proximity, Cyprus has a deeper understanding of the challenges and points going through Lebanon and which immediately have an effect on Cyprus in addition to the EU,” stated the President, highlighting the unfavorable results of the scenario in Syria .
President Christodoulidis additionally identified that “whereas we reward Lebanon for internet hosting Syrian refugees for greater than 12 years, we’re conscious of the big strain that the nation's economic system and society is underneath. I wish to guarantee you that Lebanon's efforts aren’t taken with no consideration. Additionally, we can not proceed with the established order. This matter have to be handled decisively, comprehensively and successfully.
I wish to be clear. The present scenario will not be sustainable for Lebanon, it isn’t sustainable for Cyprus, it isn’t sustainable for the EU. It has not been sustainable for years since developments, particularly in latest months, pressure us to seek out rapid options. We have to work extra carefully and extensively with our companions, in addition to with UNHCR, to debate the difficulty of voluntary (return) and past. The scenario in some areas of Syria have to be reviewed.”
Lastly, he stated that “peace, stability, prosperity in Lebanon will solely come if all of us fulfill our commitments”.
In her remarks, the President of the Fee stated, amongst different issues, that “we’re right here to say that the EU strongly helps Lebanon and its folks and we wish to strengthen our long-standing cooperation.
This was the very clear message of the European leaders at our final assembly.
The President of the Republic of Cyprus and I are right here in a spirit of teamwork on the a part of Europe to repeat this message.”
He added that they mentioned, amongst different issues, methods to help Lebanon's safety and stability.
“To underline our help, I’m saying the supply of a help bundle of 1 billion euros to Lebanon which will probably be out there from this 12 months till 2027. We wish to contribute to the socio-economic stability of Lebanon first by strengthening fundamental providers reminiscent of investments, well being' and extra, Ms von der Leyen stated.
He added that the EU will help reforms within the nation which is able to enable confidence to be restored in Lebanon's companies and banking sector.
He additionally underlined that the EU will help the Lebanese Armed Forces and Inner Safety Companies by offering coaching, tools and help in relation to frame administration infrastructure, underneath an settlement with Fronex.
“To take care of immigration, we’re decided to take care of authorized passages to Europe and for the settlement of refugees from Lebanon in Europe, whereas on the similar time we depend on your good cooperation to forestall unlawful immigration and to combat migrant smuggling,” stated Mrs. von der Leyen.
He added that to handle Syrian migrants and guarantee their well-being in host nations, the EU will proceed to offer monetary help.
For his half, the Lebanese Prime Minister stated that in their assembly they mentioned Lebanon's bilateral relations with the EU member states, particularly Cyprus, in addition to the developments in Gaza.
He added that he renewed his name to the EU to assist the Palestinian folks and attain an answer within the Center East, but in addition to finish the assault on southern Lebanon.
He underlined the necessity for collective motion to take care of Migration, primarily Syrian flows, and its unfavorable results.
He additionally famous that the presence of the President of the Republic of Cyprus and the President of the European Fee in Lebanon expresses the change of EU insurance policies in relation to Syrian immigrants in Lebanon, which faces the best burden of the refugee circulation from Syria.
He added that his nation is able to work with different states to deal with the difficulty.
He identified that the safety of Lebanon is immediately linked to the safety of the nations of the area and the EU and vice versa, emphasizing that what’s unfolding on Cypriot territory is simply a sign of what can occur to the EU if the difficulty of migration flows will not be successfully dealt with.
Lastly, he expressed grateful because of President Christodoulidis for his efforts within the course of offering help to Lebanon.
After the statements, the President of the Republic had a gathering with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Mr. Nahib Berri, after which sat all the way down to a working lunch with the Prime Minister of the nation and President von der Leyen.
