In an important diplomatic step, the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon have officially agreed on a permanent maritime border. The agreement was signed in Beirut. It clearly sets the boundaries for each country's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean. This replaces a previous deal from 2007 that was never officially approved by Lebanon and therefore was not legally binding.
The new agreement ends a long and difficult process. The main reason for the earlier delay was Lebanon's internal political divisions, as well as its previous unresolved sea border dispute with Israel. The recent success was made possible by a key change: this new agreement does not need approval from the Lebanese parliament to take effect.
For Lebanon, this is a critical development. The country is suffering a deep financial crisis, and the agreement opens the door to exploring potential offshore oil and gas resources. With its maritime borders now clearly defined, Lebanon can move forward with planned energy projects involving international companies. This offers some hope for economic recovery.
Cyprus, which has already explored its own offshore gas fields, gains strategic benefits. The Cypriot President called the signing "an important and historic occasion," strengthening his country's role as a reliable partner in the region. The Lebanese President stated the deal creates a "foundation for international cooperation" to bring stability and prosperity.
However, Turkey has strongly criticized the agreement. Turkey disputes Cyprus's right to make such deals and insists on a political solution for the divided island of Cyprus first. The Cypriot government rejects Turkey's objections, stating it is acting within its rights under international law.
The agreement comes at a time of high regional tension due to the conflict between Israel and Hamas. In this unstable context, successfully settling a technical border issue is seen by experts as a positive example of diplomacy. While Lebanon may see more immediate benefits from energy exploration, Cyprus strengthens its maritime rights and regional partnerships. This agreement sets a standard for orderly cooperation in the resource-rich Eastern Mediterranean.