Brussels, 26/10/2011 (Agence Europe) - The European commissioner for enlargement and the European neighbourhood policy, Stefan Füle, will be in Lebanon on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 October to discuss tightening up relations between the EU and Lebanon and moving forward the implementation of the reforms jointly agreed under the European neighbourhood policy (ENP) action plan. “Lebanon is a crucial partner and neighbour for the European Union. Strengthening our partnership would greatly benefit both societies and the stability of the region as a whole”, the commissioner stressed in a press release published on Tuesday 26 October. He went on to say that increased EU support is linked to Lebanon's commitment to reform. “The more and faster Lebanon progresses in its internal reforms, the more support it will get from the EU”, he explained, also pointing out that the EU expects Beirut to honour its international obligations.
On this first trip to Lebanon, he will meet, amongst others, President Michel Sleiman, President of the Parliament Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nagib Mikati, Foreign Minister Adnan Mansour and representatives of civil society. (CG/transl.fl)