In an important development for the Eastern Mediterranean, the Presidents of Cyprus and Lebanon have officially signed an agreement that sets the sea borders between their two countries. This resolves a disagreement that had lasted for almost twenty years. The deal was signed in Beirut by Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. It is the result of 18 years of long and difficult negotiations and is expected to change the political situation in the region.
President Christodoulides described the agreement on the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as a “strategically important milestone.” The Cypriot government sees this as a major diplomatic success, which they say is the result of determined and persistent diplomatic work. The agreement establishes a clear legal boundary in waters that were previously disputed. Many experts see this as a direct response to Turkey’s own maritime claims, known as the "Blue Homeland" doctrine. According to sources, the agreement was finally possible because political interference and Turkish pressure on Lebanon's governments have stopped.
As expected, the agreement has been criticized by Turkey and the Turkish Cypriot leadership. Turkish Cypriot leader Tufan Erhürman made critical comments, showing that tensions in the area continue. In response, President Christodoulides was firm, stating that such criticism would not change Cyprus's plans. He confirmed his country's commitment to international law, saying, “As a member of both the UN and the EU, Cyprus makes maritime agreements based on international law and the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.” Cyprus has now officially asked Turkey to begin direct talks to define their shared sea borders using the same legal principles.
The importance of this agreement goes beyond the relationship between just these two countries. It creates an opportunity for future sea border agreements with Syria and allows for practical cooperation. Cyprus and Lebanon have agreed to start talking about a plan to jointly use any oil or gas reserves that are found across their new border. They are also moving forward with plans for an electrical connection between the two countries and have asked the World Bank to prepare a study on its feasibility.
Looking to the future, Cyprus plans to use its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union in early 2026 to strengthen its regional relationships. Despite this diplomatic victory, President Christodoulides stressed that the EU agenda will not prevent new efforts to find a solution to the long-standing division of Cyprus. He expressed a willingness to restart United Nations-led talks and said he believes a solution could be found "relatively quickly" if all sides show the necessary political will.