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Cyprus President in Beirut, Calls for Unifying Anti-Terrorism Efforts | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Lebanese President Michel Aoun and his Cypriot counterpart, President Nicos Anastasiades during a joint news conference following talks at the Baabda Palace. (Dalati & Nohra)


Beirut – Lebanese President Michel Aoun and his Cypriot counterpart Nicos Anastasiades agreed on Monday to unify efforts aimed at fighting terrorism and stressed the importance of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

In a joint news conference following an extensive meeting at the Baabda Palace on Monday, Aoun encouraged further cooperation between Lebanon and Cyprus in oil and gas, as well as collaboration in the energy sector.

“We highly encourage the governments of both of our countries to boost cooperation within the fields of gas and oil,” Aoun said, highlighting the substantial need to bolster fruitful dialogue and cooperation between Lebanon and Cyprus in the field of energy.

The Lebanese president also called for facilitating the conditions to export Lebanese agricultural and industrial products to Cypriot markets.

Underlining Lebanon’s support for the unity of Cypriot lands, Aoun stressed the need to reach a compromise that guarantees stability all across Cyprus, and among its entire population.

The Cypriot president, for his part, hailed the historic ties between his country and Lebanon.

“We are working to boost the existing ties between the Cypriot and Lebanese peoples,” Anastasiades said.

“Our relationship exceeds the close geographical distance. It is deeply rooted in rigid bonds,” he added.

Following his talks with Aoun, the Cypriot president said that he had underlined to need to consolidate relations at all levels in order to reach a mutual vision towards peace and stability.

“I assure you that Cyprus will pursue efforts to help Lebanon face looming challenges,” he added. He also praised Lebanon for hosting of more than two million Syrian refugees and pledged more support through European Union channels.