Newsroom
Cyprus and Lebanon have officially put a nearly 20-year maritime dispute behind them. President Nikos Christodoulides of Cyprus joined Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Beirut this week to sign a long-awaited agreement on their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), a move Christodoulides called “historic.”
The deal settles long-standing questions over maritime boundaries and paves the way for future collaboration in energy and infrastructure. Both leaders also announced plans to ask the World Bank for a feasibility study on a Cyprus-Lebanon electricity interconnection — a project that could strengthen energy security in the Eastern Mediterranean and even help supply Europe.
Christodoulides emphasized that the agreement is more than just lines on a map. “We’re sending a strong political message,” he said, highlighting the importance of international law, neighborly trust, and regional stability. He praised the dedication of the negotiating teams and underscored Cyprus’ role as a steady and reliable partner in the region.
The agreement follows Lebanon’s recent resolution of its maritime border with Israel and sets the stage for closer economic and strategic ties between the two countries. During the visit, the leaders also discussed broader regional issues, including Lebanon’s relationship with the EU, where Cyprus pledged support, and ongoing developments in the Cyprus problem.
Christodoulides invited Aoun to Cyprus in January for the EU Council Presidency ceremony, signaling that the collaboration is only just beginning.
