Cyprus supports Lebanon in disputed oil blocks with Israel

Lebanon's Energy and Water Minister Cesar Abou Khalil speaks during the third Lebanon International Oil and Gas Summit in Beirut, Lebanon May 9, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

BEIRUT, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Visiting Cyprus Foreign minister Ioannis Kasoulidis stressed Tuesday his country's support to Lebanon in the face of terrorism and the disputed oil blocks with Israel.

Kasoulidis said in a joint press conference after meeting with his Lebanese counterpart Gebran Bassil "we cannot stand and watch Lebanon under [the threat] of terrorism without taking action."

Lebanon's Defense Minister Yaacoub Sarraf Saturday announced that Lebanon will receive 15M euro (16.79 million U.S. dollars) in military aid from Cyprus.

This is the latest in military aid the Lebanese Army has received in recent months.

The aid to the army and the arms delivery come as the military increased its targeting of militants along the northeastern border.

During the meeting, the counterparts discussed bilateral relations and means of further development, including boosting Lebanese exports to the EU through Cyprus.