Lebanon and Cyprus finalized a landmark maritime boundary agreement on November 26, 2025, resolving a 18-year stalemate over offshore energy rights in the eastern Mediterranean. The deal, signed at Beirut's Baabda presidential palace, paves the way for joint oil and gas exploration while strengthening bilateral ties.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides hailed the agreement as a turning point for regional stability. "This marks a new chapter in our partnership," Aoun stated, emphasizing plans for cross-sector collaboration in tourism, telecommunications, and security. Christodoulides described the pact as a "strategic milestone" that could position the eastern Mediterranean as a critical energy corridor for Europe.
The two nations first outlined their maritime zones in 2007, but Lebanon's political gridlock delayed ratification until this year. The finalized demarcation clarifies exclusive economic zones, unlocking exploration in gas-rich waters previously mired in disputes.
Notably, the leaders announced joint efforts to pursue a submarine electricity cable project, with feasibility studies slated for World Bank support. Analysts suggest the agreement could accelerate Europe's energy diversification efforts amid ongoing global market shifts.
