Lebanese President Joseph Aoun leaving Lebanon for Cyprus, July 9, 2025. (Credit: X/@LBpresidency)
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met Wednesday in Nicosia with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, according to the Lebanese presidency.
Aoun arrived by helicopter at Larnaca airport alongside Foreign Minister Joe Rajji, where they were welcomed by Cypriot Defense Minister Vassilis Palmas, Lebanese Ambassador to Cyprus Claude al-Hajal, Lebanese Consul Ziad Koussa, and members of the Cypriot Foreign Ministry’s protocol team. The delegation then traveled to the Cypriot capital.
At the presidential palace in Nicosia, Christodoulides praised Lebanon’s strategic role in the region and its importance to Europe, reaffirming the historic ties between the two nations. Aoun, in turn, expressed appreciation for the visit and addressed key areas of mutual concern during bilateral talks, which were followed by an expanded meeting between Lebanese and Cypriot delegations.
"Common challenges"
Speaking at a joint press conference, Aoun emphasized that Lebanon and Cyprus face shared challenges, including maritime border issues and irregular migration flows across the Mediterranean. He expressed hope for a "just peace through dialogue" across the broader region.
The two presidents also toured the "Green Line," the U.N.-patrolled buffer zone that divides the northern and southern parts of Cyprus and runs through Nicosia.
The visit comes as ties between the two countries grow stronger. In late April, Cypriot Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades announced the launch of a ferry line between Lebanon and Cyprus, expected to begin service soon.
