Lebanon president to visit Cyprus in 2009

Cyprus President Demetris Christofias met with his Lebanese counterpart on Monday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, whom he briefed on the latest developments in Cyprus and the newly-launched direct talks for a settlement.
“We have ascertained”, President Christofias said after the meeting with President Michel Sleiman,, “that relations between the two countries are very good, brotherly, and we have common values to serve and common problems to deal with”.
He revealed their decision to exchange visits, first at the level of Foreign Ministers and then, within 2009, at presidential level.
President Sleiman thanked Christofias for Cyprus’ role during the crisis in Lebanon with both leaders reciprocating assurances of support.
The Lebanese President also expressed gratitude for the excellent relations with the Maronite community of Cyprus.
With regard to the current situation in Lebanon, Sleiman briefed Christofias on the ongoing efforts to bring stability to the war-torn country, noting with satisfaction the recent restoration of diplomatic relations with Syria, but adding, at the same time, that Lebanon still had to deal with threats from Israel.