BRUSSELS, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) will allocate at least 480 million euros (514 million U.S. dollars) to Lebanon in two years, aiming to improve the living condition of Syrian refugees in Lebanon and their host communities, according to a compact adopted on Tuesday.
The EU's foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil jointly made the announcement here.
"Today's decision is a clear political sign of the EU's commitment and special relationship to Lebanon," said Mogherini at the press conference, adding, "because we know very well it is essential to support the hosting communities in their work."
Under the EU-Lebanon compact, the bloc will allocate at least 400 million euros in addition to the bilateral assistance of more than 80 million euros to Lebanon in two years.
In turn, Lebanon commits to ease the temporary stay of Syrian refugees, in particular regarding their residency status.
Lebanon currently hosts at least 1.1 million Syrians. The two sides on Tuesday also adopted partnership priorities for the coming four years, including security and countering terrorism, governance and the rule of law, fostering growth and job opportunities, as well as migration and mobility.
"Lebanon is the first country with whom the European Union is signing this very ambitious strategic framework. We are very keen to implement the commonly identified priorities and commitments," said Mogherini.
