Lebanon recognised the urgent need to deal with migration flows and undertook the commitment to intensify surveillance efforts to identify illegal trafficking networks, Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis said in a written statement, as President Christodoulides wrapped up his one-day visit to the neighbouring country where he solely discussed the increased influxes of Syrian refugees to Cyprus.

Both sides agreed that there should be a mutual commitment on implementing what was agreed upon in today’s consultations. They also agreed that there should be a coordination between Cyprus – Lebanon – the European Commission and actions to be undertaken between EU and Lebanon.

Letymbiotis noted that President Christodoulides discussed the cooperation between the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon for the effective management of migration, with the Prime Minister Najib Mikati.

He had a private meeting and extended talks with the Prime Minister and then met with the Speaker of the Parliament Nabih Berri. The Lebanese Premier noted, as the Spokesperson says, “that the migration issue is common and its treatment must be common as well, through coordinated actions.”

Letymbiotis also noted that the discussion was a very good one during which the cooperation of the two countries was agreed upon with the substantial assistance of the European Commission.

He added that President Christodoulides referred to the ongoing discussions at EU level on this issue, pointing out that the implementation of the EU’s intentions also depends on the results of the actions on both sides to deal with migration and the increased flows to Cyprus.