Hariri in Cyprus on Official Visit

Prime Minister Saad Hariri arrived in Cyprus Thursday for talks with President Dimitris Christofias.

An official welcoming ceremony will be held at the presidential palace for Hariri and the accompanying delegation -- Foreign Minister Ali al-Shami, Information Minister Tareq Mitri and advisor Hani Hammoud.

Talks between Hariri and the Cypriot President will focus on the latest regional and international developments as well as bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to develop them in various areas, Hariri's office said.

It said Hariri will hold a joint press conference with Christofias at the end of their talks to be followed by luncheon hosted in Hariri's honor.

Later Thursday, Hariri will meet the President of the Parliament Marios Garoyan in a protocol visit.