The updating of the agreement between Cyprus and Lebanon on the demarcation of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) was one of the issues raised during the meeting on Sunday afternoon between Cyprus’ President, Nicos Anastasiades, and the Prime Minister of Lebanon, Najib Mikati, in Sharm El Sheikh, on the sidelines of the COP27 Summit.
Government Spokesman, Marios Pelekanos, said in a written statement that, during the meeting, “which was held in an extremely friendly atmosphere, the excellent relations of the two countries were discussed”, which, both sides noted they can be upgraded, creating multiple benefits for both countries.
One “of the most important issues” raised during the meeting was updating the agreement between the two countries on the delimitation of the EEZ, it added. Also discussed was “the cooperation of the two countries regarding the exploitation of their natural resources and the possibilities that take shape in this field as a result of the relevant agreement, including natural gas and renewable energy sources”, it is added, as well as the possibility of electricity interconnection between the two countries.
The President of the Republic also assured Prime Minister Mikati that Cyprus “will take an initiative within the EU, for better financial support to Lebanon to deal with the increasing migration flows, a problem that Cyprus also faces, due to the instrumentalisation of the migration issue by Turkey,” the statement said.
Pelekanos also said that President Anastasiades briefed the Prime Minister of Lebanon about the current state of affairs as regards the Cyprus issue, while the situation in Lebanon was also discussed.
According to Pelekanos, the Prime Minister of Lebanon reiterated his country’s long-standing support for the Cyprus issue based on principles and values.
He also expressed his gratitude for the agreement reached between the two countries regarding the issue of mutual assistance in extinguishing fires, he added.
The meeting took place in the presence of Cyrus’ Energy Minister, Natasa Pilides, of the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus in Egypt, Polly Ioannou and other officials.
Source: Cyprus News Agency