Lebanon, Cyprus discuss cooperation in oil exploration

Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis Beirut – George Shahin Lebanon\'s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Cypriot Foreign Minister Erato Kozakou-Marcoullis arrived in Beirut Thursday morning on a two-day official visit to meet with senior Lebanese officials.
Kozakou-Marcoullis held a meeting with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Grand Serail and separately with President Michel Suleiman at the Baabda Palace.
She confirmed to Suleiman that bilateral ties between Israel and Cyprus would not be at the expense of its relations with Lebanon.
“It was an opportunity to discuss the cooperation between the two countries regarding the energy fields, tourism and trade,” Kozakou-Marcoullis told reporters after the meeting with Mikati.
Asked about the help that Cyprus can offer to Lebanon concerning its dispute with Israel over the natural oil reserves on its offshores, the minister said: “Cyprus had been exerting its efforts since day one, and we will continue to offer our help.”
“It’s a pledge I made before PM Mikati to resolve the dispute as soon as possible,” she stressed.
Kozakou-Marcoullis, who arrived at the head of a high-ranking delegation, said the aim of her visit is to follow-up the important agreements signed between the two countries and discuss bilateral relations.
She stated that “the two countries are geographically close and have historical ties.”
“Cyprus is a member of the European Union and wants to become a bridge between Lebanon and the Union,” Kozakou-Marcoullis said.