Cyprus and Lebanon want to further enhance their relations in all sectors, Defence Minister Christophoros Fokaides has said.
DefMin is paying Lebanon an official visit, just two days after the visit to Cyprus of Lebanon Premier Saad Hariri, whom the Minister will meet tomorrow morning.
The Minister on Monday was received by Lebanese President Mishel Aoun and then he held a meeting with his counterpart Yaacoub El Sarraf during which the two sides signed an agreement on the exchange of classified information.
In statements to the media after the meeting, Fokaides said that the two countries share long-lasting relationships of true friendship which were developed over the centuries in a turbulent region. He said that the history of these ties is full of rich culture, achievements and struggles for survival.
He said that Cyprus and Lebanon are strengthening their cooperation and they continue to work together in exploring ways to deepen this relationship in all areas. The Minister pointed out that security and defence are the cornerstones of this relationship for a mutually beneficial cooperation.
Fokaides went on to say that Lebanon`s security is of strategic importance to Cyprus because it is at the forefront of the war zone against terrorism. This is why, he added, the role of the Lebanese Armed Forces is vital to the stability and security of the country.
He said that Cyprus will continue to support UNIFIL and participate in it.
The Minister also said that Cyprus stands ready to provide any support for technical expertise or training in the Lebanese Armed Forces in order to develop a Search and Rescue Centre.
He recalled that recently the two countries signed a Bilateral Military Cooperation Program and during today`s talks the two sides examined all possible ways for further cooperation in terms of common education and joint exercises, particularly in the field of combating terrorism, maritime security and crisis management.
During the talks, they discussed the situation in the region and the continuing humanitarian crisis, adding that Cyprus will continue to support, within the European Union, the need for tangible support for Lebanon and its Armed Forces.
Fokaides met with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander General Joseph Aoun.