Beirut: The President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, visit to Lebanon on Wednesday will focus on issues of energy cooperation and broader regional issues, according to a written statement by the Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Letymbiotis notes that the President will depart on Wednesday morning for Lebanon, following an invitation by President Joseph Aoun, for a visit of “particular significance, at a time when cooperation, mutual trust, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean are gaining even greater importance.”
President Christodoulides’ visit to Beirut is part of the ongoing effort of the Republic of Cyprus to deepen its relations with the countries of the region and with Lebanon specifically, which is an important partner “with whom we share historically friendly ties, common challenges, and strategic interests,” he states.
In the context of the continuous deepening of relations and strengthening of cooperation with Lebanon, during the President’s stay in Beirut specific announcements concerning issues of energy cooperation and broader regional dimensions are to be expected, which, according to Letymbiotis, confirm the steady orientation of the Republic of Cyprus towards enhancing security and stability in the region.
‘The visit is a continuation of an especially active and productive period of contacts between the two countries, reflecting the upgraded momentum of our bilateral relations. In this context, there will be an exchange of views on regional developments, on issues of security and stability, as well as on the progress of cooperation in areas of mutual interest,’ the Government Spokesman notes.
He further stresses that Cyprus consistently places importance on strengthening Lebanon’s resilience and stability, which is considered crucial for the region as a whole.
At the same time, according to Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the visit creates an opportunity for discussion on further enhancing cooperation within the framework of EU-Lebanon relations, particularly in light of the upcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union. ‘As the EU member state closest to Lebanon, Cyprus remains firmly oriented toward strengthening the EU-Lebanon partnership,’ he points out.
The President of the Republic will be accompanied to Lebanon by the Government Spokesman, the Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, the National Security Advisor, Tasos Tzionis, the Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office, Doros Venezis, and senior officials.