In an important diplomatic step, Cyprus and Lebanon have officially agreed on their sea border. This agreement ends a long argument about who controls which part of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. The leaders of both countries, President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus and President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon, signed the deal.
The two countries first started talking about this border in 2007, but they could not agree for many years. Lebanon had internal political problems and pressure from Turkey, which also has claims in the area. The situation changed after Lebanon settled a different sea border argument with Israel in 2022, with help from Cyprus.
The new agreement uses a fair method, supported by international law, to draw the line in the sea. Unlike the old plan, this deal does not need approval from Lebanon's parliament, so it can start immediately. It will help the two countries work together on searching for oil and gas under the sea and protecting underwater cables and pipes.
For Cyprus, this is a positive step that makes its legal position stronger. For Lebanon, it shows a more practical approach to foreign policy. The agreement is also important for the wider region. It supports a method of drawing borders that the United States and Europe prefer. This could help create more stability and cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean through shared energy projects.