Cyprus and Lebanon signed an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) delimitation agreement on Wednesday, marking the resolution of a two-decade dispute and opening the path for joint energy exploration in the eastern Mediterranean.
President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun oversaw the signing ceremony at Baabda Palace, where Cyprus’s president and Lebanon’s transport and public works minister Fayez Rassamny signed the accord on behalf of their respective nations.
The agreement establishes maritime boundaries between the two countries and provides legal certainty for potential investors in energy exploration, both leaders said following the ceremony.
Christodoulides hails agreement as milestone in bilateral relations
Christodoulides described the signing as “a milestone of strategic importance which seals, in the clearest possible way, the level of our relations” with Lebanon.
The Cypriot president said the agreement sends “a strong political message: that Cyprus and Lebanon, on the basis of international law, the relevant United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and naturally good neighbourly relations, continue to invest in strengthening trust and mutual respect”.
He credited Lebanese political will for making the agreement possible, specifically thanking Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Lebanon’s political leadership. Christodoulides also praised the work of the negotiating teams led by Rassamny and Cyprus’s national security adviser Tasos Tzionis, describing their efforts as “tireless and methodical work, in a spirit of trust and transparency”.
The president noted this was the third exchange of visits between the two leaders in less than a year, “a fact which reflects, amongst other things, the close and enduring ties that unite our countries, as well as our personal friendship”.
Energy cooperation and electrical interconnection on the agenda
The agreement enhances prospects for cooperation in critical sectors including energy and infrastructure, Christodoulides said. He emphasised that it strengthens eastern Mediterranean energy cooperation prospects and the region’s potential to function as an alternative energy corridor for Europe.
Aoun stated the agreement “will allow both Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their respective maritime resources and will also enhance cooperation between our countries at this level”.
The Lebanese president outlined potential new joint projects in energy sectors, particularly renewables, as well as telecommunications, electricity transmission and joint tourism programmes. He noted continued cooperation on joint defence and security through a search and rescue centre operated jointly by both defence ministries.
Leaders request World Bank feasibility study for power link
Both presidents welcomed dialogue that has begun on Cyprus-Lebanon electrical interconnection. Christodoulides announced that “Cyprus and Lebanon have jointly approached the World Bank for the preparation of a relevant feasibility study” for the project.
The leaders also discussed broader bilateral cooperation, regional developments affecting both countries, Lebanon-EU relations, and recent developments regarding Cyprus’s division.
Aoun said Lebanon “looks forward with particular interest to Cyprus assuming the presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2026” to activate and strengthen contact and cooperation mechanisms with Europe. He expressed hope that a strategic partnership agreement between Lebanon and the EU could be signed during Cyprus’s EU presidency.
The Lebanese president stressed that “our cooperation does not target anyone, nor does it exclude anyone”, issuing “an open and sincere invitation for the continuation of this maritime understanding with all parties seeking cooperation and prosperity for all our citizens”.
Christodoulides reaffirmed Cyprus’s support for Lebanon’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating the country “remains the most stable, reliable and predictable partner of Lebanon in this great effort”.
The president invited Aoun to Cyprus for the EU presidency assumption ceremony on 7 January and for a Council meeting in April, where specific sectors including energy and education will be discussed.
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