Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has thanked Cyprus for its action in favour of his country within the EU, has praised the historic friendship and cooperation between the two countries and has expressed his wish to visit the island soon as an indication of mutual respect and cooperation.
Aoun was addressing an official ceremony recently during which the Republic of Cyprus Ambassador Maria Hadjitheodosiou presented him with her credentials, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release says here today.
Hadjitheodosiou conveyed President Nikos Christodoulides’ warm greetings, “underlining the close historic ties of friendship and cooperation between Cyprus and Lebanon.”
She also expressed the Republic of Cyprus’ “commitment to further promote bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries.”
Hadjitheodosiou, “stressed the importance of enhancing EU-Lebanon relations and underscored the Republic of Cyprus’ efforts in this direction,” the press release adds.
She said that a relevant letter by President Christodoulides has already been sent to the European Council and European Commission Presidents, with a view to upgrading relations with Lebanon to a strategic partnership and to promoting new EU support measures for Lebanon.
“The ambassador expressed her commitment to work hard to strengthen the ties between the two countries, making the most of her position and cooperation within the EU,” the Foreign Affairs Ministry says.
On his part, Aoun “thanked Cyprus for its action in favour of Lebanon within the EU and praised the historic friendship and cooperation between the two countries.”
He underlined, the press release says, “that President Christodoulides’ recent visit to Lebanon constitutes proof of the excellent bilateral relations and expressed the wish to visit Cyprus soon as an indication of mutual respect and cooperation.”
“He expressed his optimism for a better future for Lebanon, with stability, prosperity and peace in the region and thanked the EU for its continued support to the country and the people of Lebanon,” the Ministry’s press release concludes.
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Source: CNA
