Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, right, and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades shake hands before their talks at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Hariri is in Cyprus for one-day official talks visit. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
NICOSIA, Cyprus (AP) - Lebanon's prime minister says Cyprus can help his country drum up support from other European Union member states for its economy that's coming under heavy strain from hosting around 1.5 million Syrian refugees.
Prime Minister Saad Hariri said after talks with Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades on Saturday that Lebanon needs international support to prop up the economy and help with job growth.
He said Cyprus can "play an important role" in rallying assistance for Lebanon.
Anastasiades announced Cyprus will deliver a new military assistance package to the Lebanese armed forces.
The package includes light arms and ammunition. Next week, the two countries will also sign an intelligence-sharing agreement.
The war in Syria has left at least 400,000 people dead and driven more than 11 million people from their homes.
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, left, and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades talk after they review a military guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony before a meeting at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Hariri is in Cyprus for one-day official talks visit. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, center, and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades smile after they review a military guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony before a meeting at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Hariri is in Cyprus for one-day official talks visit. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri reviews a military guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony before a meeting with Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Hariri is in Cyprus for one-day official talks visit. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press
Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, left, and Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades reviews a military guard of honor during the welcoming ceremony before a meeting at the presidential palace in Nicosia, Cyprus, on Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017. Hariri is in Cyprus for one-day official talks visit. (AP Photo/Petros Karadjias)
The Associated Press