Excellencies President Aoun and President Al-Sharaf, first of all,

it's a great pleasure to meet with you again after my recent visit with President von der Leyen to your countries at the beginning of the year.

I would like to thank President Christodoulidis for hosting this important meeting at such a crucial time.

The war in the Middle East has already had disastrous consequences for people,

for infrastructure and for the global economy.

With every day that passes without a solution, the situation is only getting worse.

The current situation clearly underscores how closely Europe's security is linked with that of the Middle East and how vital our cooperation on security and defense has become.

That is why our exchange with all of you, your Excellencies, was so timely and useful.

To listen to you,

to hear your assessment of the current situation and to offer the support of the European Union.

The European Union stands in full solidarity with your countries and your people. You can count on us.

Since the beginning,

we have consistently called for the de escalation and negotiations in full respect of international law and international humanitarian law.

The recent announcement of the prolongation of the ceasefire on Iran is a welcome step.

Negotiations must continue with the objective of finding a lasting solution to end this war and address the core concerns.

The Strait of Hormuz must immediately reopen without restrictions and without tolling,

in full respect of international law and the principle of freedom of navigation. This is vital for the entire world. Diplomacy is the only sustainable way.

Forward, and the European Union is ready to contribute to all ongoing efforts.

This includes the nuclear file and help in restoring the Gulf energy infrastructure in order to stabilize the global energy markets.

The situation in Lebanon, remains a grave concern for us.

We hope that an extended ceasefire on the ground.

We call for diplomatic efforts to continue,

in full respect of international law and Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Hezbollah poses an existential threat for Lebanon,

and it is a dangerous destabilizing factor for peace and security in the region.

President Aoun,

you have taken a truly historic decision to ban the military activities of Hezbollah.

We will continue to support you and your authorities in your efforts to disarm Hezbollah.

This is the only sustainable solution for restoring Lebanon's stability.

It is encouraging to see that talks have started between Lebanon and Israel,

and it is essential that they continue.

The European Union will keep providing humanitarian and economic support to help you respond to the challenges you face.

Our friends from Egypt and Jordan have also joined us today.

They are our strategic partners, and their stability and security are key priorities for the European Union.

I was also happy to meet again with President al-Sharaf.

The European Union acknowledges the important steps that you have taken to rebuild Syria.

We support your efforts towards a peaceful and inclusive Syria.

Finally,

let me thank the Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council for joining us here today.

This year we will have our next European Union GCC summit.

Now, more than ever, we need to strengthen our ties.

We are a reliable and predictable partner for all of you today and in the future.

We share your objective of building a prosperous, stable and peaceful future for the region,

and we stand ready to contribute further. Many thanks.

We now give the floor to the President of the European Commission, Ms. Ursula von der Leyen.