Cyprus and Lebanon have signed an important agreement about their sea border. The deal was signed on Wednesday in Beirut. It ends talks that had been stopped for almost twenty years. The agreement clearly marks the sea area where each country has special economic rights. It also makes rules for possible gas and oil exploration and energy cooperation.
However, Turkey and the leader of Turkish Cypriots strongly disagree with the deal. Turkey's defense ministry said the agreement "ignores the rights of Turkish Cypriots." They say the Greek Cypriot government cannot make decisions for the whole island of Cyprus. They asked other countries not to accept this agreement.
The Turkish Cypriot leader, Tufan Erhurman, said the deal is bad for peace talks. He said it leaves Turkish Cypriots out, even though they should have equal rights.
On the other side, the Cypriot President, Nikos Christodoulides, praised the agreement. He called it a very important strategic success. He said it ends twenty years of no progress. The deal also allows for future energy projects with Lebanon. Some experts say Europe is now more interested in this region's energy because of recent instability.
President Christodoulides also invited Turkey to direct talks about sea borders. He said Turkey should discuss the issue diplomatically, not just protest.
This agreement changes the situation in the region. It might limit Turkey's plans for energy exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean. For Lebanon, the deal could help its weak economy through new energy projects. The European Union also announced 500 million euros in support for Lebanon, showing they back this agreement.