Lebanon and Cyprus officially signed a landmark maritime border demarcation agreement on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations and regional cooperation. The signing ceremony took place at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, followed by a joint press conference featuring Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Standing alongside Christodoulides, President Aoun described the event as a “day of historic significance” for both nations. He recalled that Christodoulides’s first visit to Lebanon had taken place the day after Aoun’s election, “an unmistakable gesture of friendship and depth in our ties.”

The agreement finalizes the delineation of the countries’ Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), enabling both Beirut and Nicosia to begin exploring offshore resources and to launch cooperative initiatives in energy and maritime development.

“This step will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their offshore resources and to launch joint cooperation in this field,” Aoun said, expressing “deep gratitude” to both Cypriot and Lebanese officials, technical experts, and military teams who contributed to the process.

Strengthening Mediterranean unity

Aoun emphasized the broader significance of the agreement, noting that it reinforces respect for international law and strengthens bonds between nations.

“Once again, you have affirmed that respect for international law strengthens friendships between nations, and that the geography of the Mediterranean unites us just as much as history and the future do,” he stated.

The president outlined several areas for expanded cooperation, including renewable energy, telecommunications, tourism, and regional security. A new joint search-and-rescue coordination center was also highlighted as a future cornerstone of operational partnership.

A platform for regional cooperation

Looking ahead to Cyprus’ upcoming presidency of the European Union, Aoun expressed hope that Lebanon's engagement with Europe would deepen, particularly through progress on the EU–Lebanon Strategic Partnership Agreement. He also reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to tackling irregular migration and called for stronger, sustained international support in managing refugee and migration flows.

Aoun was clear in framing the agreement as inclusive and non-confrontational, as he said, “This maritime agreement targets no one and excludes no one."

The Lebanese president expressed Beirut’s willingness to pursue similar understandings with other neighboring countries, positioning the deal as a foundation for replacing “the language of violence, war, and ambitions of domination with stability and prosperity.”

President Aoun concluded by congratulating his Cypriot counterpart and voicing optimism about a strengthened bilateral partnership.

“Our countries share centuries of history,” he stressed. “May the coming decades bring peace, prosperity, and enduring friendship to Cyprus, its people, and its leadership.”