Lebanon and Cyprus signed a maritime border demarcation agreement in Beirut today, establishing a framework that both sides said will accelerate future exploration of energy resources in the Mediterranean.
The Lebanese National News Agency reported that President Joseph Aoun, speaking during a joint press conference with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, stated:
“We are here to celebrate the achievement of demarcating the exclusive economic zone between our two countries, which will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their maritime resources and strengthen joint cooperation in this field.”
Aoun said the agreement provides the basis for a broad expansion of bilateral cooperation; “This agreement enables the two countries to develop new bilateral accords, facilitates the work of exploration companies, and launches joint projects in traditional and renewable energy, telecommunications, tourism, as well as cooperation in security and defense.”
Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the European Union was noted by President Aoun, who expressed confidence that cooperation between Lebanon and Europe will expand next year, particularly within the framework of the developing strategic partnership agreement between Lebanon and the EU.
He emphasized that cooperation between the two countries does not target or exclude anyone, describing the agreement as a step toward building a bridge of international cooperation that supports stability and prosperity for all peoples of the region. He called for extending this maritime understanding to any party willing to cooperate for the benefit of regional communities.
