Cyprus and Lebanon have signed an important agreement to set a permanent border between their areas of the sea. The deal was signed in Beirut. It clearly marks where each country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) begins and ends. This replaces an older agreement from 2007 that Lebanon's government never officially approved.
The new agreement is a big step for both countries. For Lebanon, it is very important because it creates legal clarity. This clarity will help Lebanon search for oil and gas under the sea with companies like Total and ENI. This could help Lebanon's serious economic problems. Cyprus also benefits by making its own sea borders stronger and improving cooperation in the region.
Officials from both countries are happy with the deal. The President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, called it a "historic" event. The President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, said it creates a foundation for stability and prosperity in the region. The agreement was made easier because it does not need approval from Lebanon's parliament to start.
However, Turkey has criticized the agreement. Turkey does not agree that Cyprus has the right to make such deals alone. Cyprus disagrees with Turkey and says it is acting under international law.
The agreement happens at a time of high tension in the region. Some experts see this successful deal as a positive example of diplomacy. For Lebanon, the main advantage is the chance to find energy resources. For Cyprus, it strengthens its position as a reliable partner in the Eastern Mediterranean.