Bilateral relations, developments in the region and EU-Lebanese relatpons were among the issues examined during a meeting of Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides with his Lebanese counterpart, Joseph Aoun, who is conducting a one-day official visit to Cyprus.
Speaking after their tete-a-tete meeting at the Presidential Palace, followed by expanded talks between the delegations of the two countries, President Christodoulides said they discussed developments in the region which affect both countries, bilateral relations and expanding these relations as well as Lebanon’s relations with the European Union.
He also said he would be very pleased to host his Lebanese counterpart in Cyprus in April 2026, during the informal summit of regional leaders with the EU, under Cyprus’ Presidency of the EU Council.
In his remarks, Aoun noted that the relations between the two countries and their peoples are longstanding, spanning many centuries. The Mediterranean, he said, unites us and does not divide us.
Among other things, Aoun noted that the two countries have historically been together as a point of reference for stability and peace, and that this remains the case today.
In his remarks, President Christodoulides said he is reciprocating the very warm hospitality Aoun extended to him during his visit to Beirut on January 10, 2025, a day after the latter officially took office. “But also because it is the first visit of a Lebanese President to Cyprus in 15 years. I find this visit very important”, he underlined.
He said the friendship between Cyprus and Lebanon has endured many challenges, has been crucial for the future of both countries, and he is I confident that mutual trust will “lead to further cooperation and the realisation of our shared vision for the benefit of our countries, peoples, and the region.”
He described the visit as “substantive, symbolic, and historic, and it clearly demonstrates, among many other things, the close bonds of friendship and cooperation that characterize our relations.”
With President Aoun, said Christodoulides, “we had the opportunity to discuss primarily issues related to our bilateral relations, as well as ways to further expand our cooperation in sectors such as trade, tourism, energy, defence, and security. We also discussed regional developments that directly affect our countries. We share common challenges and approaches to regional problems.”
We examined EU-Lebanon relations, he added, “and I can confidently say that the Republic of Cyprus is, both verbally and in practice, the most enthusiastic supporter of a substantial strengthening of Lebanon–EU relations.”
He underlined that “Cyprus–Lebanon relations are inevitably influenced and largely shaped by the shared challenges that we have always faced in our neighbourhood. This is one of the reasons why Cyprus has consciously chosen to stand by Lebanon’s side for years. Because, as an integral part of the Eastern Mediterranean and the broader Middle East, Lebanon’s stability and prosperity are of strategic, vital importance to Cyprus.” And this, the President pointed out, “is the message we send to Brussels as well. The stability and security of Lebanon are not only in the interest of the region and Cyprus but also in the interest of the European Union itself.”
President Christodoulides said when he visited Beirut in January, “οne day after you assumed your duties, I did so to demonstrate that Cyprus remains Lebanon’s most stable friend, a reliable and predictable partner that you can count on”.
He noted that Cyprus is “very well aware of the challenges you face, especially after the events of 2020, the situation in the region following October 2023, and our position is clear: We support Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. We also commend your efforts—and I am very familiar with the efforts you yourself are making—for the full implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 and the Ceasefire Agreement of November 27, 2024.”
The Cypriot President said “I am entirely convinced that a stable, peaceful, and strong Lebanon can lead to a stronger and more peaceful Eastern Mediterranean. Today, I want to reiterate my trust and unwavering support for the efforts you are personally undertaking to achieve this goal. Cyprus is not just a partner in this endeavour, but also a staunch supporter.”
Regarding EU-Lebanon relations, he said Cyprus plays a leading role. “We not only support the strengthening of Lebanon–EU ties but also act as a communication and cooperation channel. We are Lebanon’s ambassador to the EU, facilitating, among other things, the further development of Lebanon–EU strategic dialogue,” he noted
Within this framework, the President annunced, “during our presidency of the EU, we will undertake specific initiatives aimed at substantially enhancing Lebanon–EU relations, initiatives I had the opportunity to discuss today with President Aoun.”
President Christodoulides said that another demonstration of Cyprus’s role was his joint visit to Beirut, “initiated by us, with the President of the European Commission. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it was the first ever visit of a President of the European Commission to Lebanon, a country bordering Europe.”
During the visit, he said, “among other things, a significant funding package was announced, amounting to one billion euros for Lebanon. We are also in the final stages of releasing the first part of this financial assistance. We acknowledge the efforts your government is making and firmly support the urgent need to release these resources promptly, to help support critical sectors vital for Lebanon’s resilience”, he added.
Regarding recent developments in the region, the Presiden noted that Cyprus, as the closest EU member state to the area, has utilized its geostrategic position and close relations with all involved parties to responsibly contribute to de-escalating tensions. “We fully recognise our obligations and responsibilities and have acted—and continue to act—as a steady and predictable partner. An example of this was the five-party meeting in Paris, which I attended along with the French President, the Prime Minister of Greece, and the President of Syria,” he said.
“This was a significant opportunity to discuss the future of our region and exchange views on the actions we must collectively undertake,” President Christodoulides added.
He also expressed hope for positive progress and a successful outcome regarding the situation in Gaza.
He reaffirmed “the clear commitment of the Republic of Cyprus to international law and our support for any initiative aimed at ceasefire and the release of hostages. At the same time, our position is also clear regarding the urgent need for the immediate, safe, and unobstructed flow of humanitarian aid to the civilian population there.”
The Republic of Cyprus, the President noted, “remains ready to continue contributing actively, including through the initiative we have developed.”
President Christodoulides expressed sincere gratitude for Lebanon’s longstanding steady, substantive support and fully consistent across all international and regional forums regarding the resolution of the Cyprus problem, based on the agreed framework.
Speaking through an interpreter, President Aoun said that the relations between the two countries are historic and go beyond geographical proximity and shared history. He noted that the two nations share common goals, positions, and challenges, and that historically, they have been “like twin” states. He emphasised that the Mediterranean unites rather than separates them.
He added that Cyprus and Lebanon have been together as a point of stability and share values, supporting peace through dialogue, and both respect each other’s sovereign rights.
“We believe that what unites us through history and geography cannot be divided by numbers and calculations of all kinds,” he said, highlighting that Cyprus and Lebanon can shelter and support each other. He pointed out that even their hardships are shared, notably mentioning displacement.
Finally, he pointed out that Cyprus and Lebanon are two countries that can give hope.
Afterwards, the two Presidents visited the Nicosia Municipality, where they walked along the ceasefire line. Later, the President of the Republic hosted a lunch in honour of President Aoun.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974, when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
The informal meeting, which will take place at the headquarters of the international organisation in New York on July 16 and 17, was announced by the Spokesperson of the UN Secretary-General, Stephane Dujarric, who said that it would provide an opportunity to continue the dialogue and exchange views on the progress made since March.
After a similar meeting in Geneva, on March 17-18 the two sides agreed to proceed with a number of initiatives, involving the opening of crossing points, the creation of a Technical Committee on Youth and other initiatives in the buffer zone and throughout the island.
Guterres announced in early May the appointment of María Angela Holguín Cuéllar of Colombia as his Personal Envoy on Cyprus, who is tasked to reengage with the parties in order to work on next steps on the Cyprus issue and advise him. Holguín completed a previous assignment as Personal Envoy of the Secretary-General on Cyprus from January to July 2024.
The European Commission designated Johannes Hahn, a former European Commissioner, as Special Envoy for Cyprus to contribute to the settlement process, in close cooperation with Holguín.