(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA)) BRUSSELS, July 18 (KUNA) -- EU High Representative Federica Mogherini met with the Lebanese foreign minister Affairs Gebran Bassil Tuesday and discussed the Syrian crisis and its consequences on Lebanon.
"We discussed in particular the Syrian crisis, the impact in Lebanon; We continue to be on the same side here agreeing that only a political solution can bring an end to the conflict in Syria," Mogherini told a press conference after the 8th EU-Lebanon Association Council meeting.
"We also discussed our strong partnership and agreed that we will continue to work closely together in this respect," she added.
On his part, Bassil told the joint press conference that, "the refugee crisis is an international issue that requires an international response driven by humanity and solidarity".
"We appreciate being praised for what we are offering, in particular to the displaced population but we are disappointed with the lack of burden sharing and with the fact that most countries are trying to escape their international obligations of responsibility sharing," he noted.
On his part, Johannes Hahn, EU Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations told the same news conference that "we are all grateful for the work you are doing and the burden you are taking care, but be reassured as you said, at least Europeans are ready to assist".
Since the outbreak of this crisis, the EU has provided 1.2 billion euro (USD 1.38 bn) in grants to assist Lebanon, he said.
According to a joint statement released after the meeting, the EU and Lebanon agreed that the only sustainable long term solution for refugees and displaced from Syria into Lebanon is their safe return to their country of origin, as conditions for such a return are met.
In the margins of the Association Council, the EU and Lebanon completed negotiations of the International Agreement on Lebanon's participation in the Partnership for Research and Innovation in the Mediterranean Area (PRIMA).
PRIMA is expected to mobilize joint research and innovation on two challenges relevant to Lebanon: efficient and sustainable food production and water provision.
The EU-Lebanon relation is laid down in the Association Agreement which was adopted in 2002, entered into force on 1 April 2006 and opened the way to fully incorporate Lebanon into the European Neighborhood Policy. (end) nk.mb
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