Aoun explained that the Cypriot President’s first visit “came at a very significant time” for him personally and for Lebanon officially, as it coincided with the first day after his election as President of the Republic, which – in his words – reflects the depth of the relationship between the two countries and Cyprus’ keenness to demonstrate it.
He also pointed out that today’s welcome carries “a remarkable additional meaning,” to celebrate the completion of the demarcation of maritime borders between the two countries, which allows Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their maritime wealth and opening new horizons for joint cooperation in this field.
He thanked President Christodoulides for his efforts to reach this stage, and also thanked all those who contributed to achieving this accomplishment from government officials, administrators, military personnel and experts in both Cyprus and Lebanon. He said: “Thank you all, because you have reaffirmed that commitment to the principles of international law strengthens friendships between countries, and that the geography of the Mediterranean brings us together just as history and the future bring us together.”
Aoun added: “We are extending a clear and explicit invitation to complete this maritime understanding with everyone who wants cooperation with us and good for our peoples. Which we believe is the only way to abandon the language of violence, war, destruction and policies of hegemony and greed that have cost our region enormous prices.”
At the end of his speech, he addressed the Cypriot President, saying: “All congratulations on today’s agreement, and all wishes that it be the opening of cooperation agreements in various fields, in a way that renews historical relations between our two countries that are hundreds of years old, and all wishes for dozens of years of goodness, health and peace for you, your people and your country. Long live Cyprus, long live Lebanon.”
