Signing of the Maritime Border Demarcation Agreement Between Lebanon and Cyprus at the Presidential Palace

President Joseph Aoun and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides (Nabil Ismail).

The Presidential Palace in Baabda witnessed the signing of the maritime border demarcation agreement between Lebanon and Cyprus, in the presence of President Joseph Aoun and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

In this regard, Aoun said after meeting the Cypriot president at the Baabda Palace: Welcome for the second time to Lebanon. It is worth noting that your first visit came at a highly significant time for me personally and for Lebanon officially. On the first day following my election as president. This confirms the depth of the relationship between our two countries and your sincerity in expressing it.

He added: The welcome you receive today has an additional significant meaning. We are here to celebrate the achievement of demarcating the exclusive economic zone boundaries between our two countries. This will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their maritime resources, as well as fostering joint cooperation between the two countries in this field.

He continued: Here, I must extend my heartfelt thanks to you personally, my friend Nikos, for the efforts you have made to reach this stage. I also thank all those who contributed to achieving this, in Cyprus as well as in Lebanon. From government officials, administrators, military personnel, and experts at various levels. And I say to all of you: Thank you. Because you have reaffirmed to us once again that adherence to the principles of international law strengthens friendships between nations. And that the geography of the Mediterranean unites us, just as history and the future do.

Moreover, Aoun emphasized that "there is still much for us to accomplish together. First, at the level of our bilateral relations," pointing out that "after demarcating the sea, we can now seriously work on developing bilateral agreements to facilitate and enhance the work of exploratory companies between our two countries.

We will also work on launching joint projects in the fields of energy, particularly renewable energy, communications and their transport lines, tourism and its programs. Additionally, in the field of security and defense, with the joint project of the 'Search and Rescue Center' between the defense ministries of our two countries.

He added: "Secondly, we look forward to the start of your presidency of the European Union in a few weeks, at the beginning of next year. To intensify and accelerate our interaction mechanisms with Europe and our cooperation with it.

Here, you undoubtedly know that we have very important items on our European agenda. Most notably, the strategic partnership agreement project between Lebanon and the European Union. Which we sincerely hope to sign under your presidency of the Union. In addition to projects of mutual interest, such as efforts to combat illegal migration across the Mediterranean. And the promised and required capabilities to complete and sustain this vital mission for Europe's security and our sovereignty. Especially after Lebanon has made clear efforts in this area. Which you undoubtedly know.

As for the third point, he said: "It must be repeated for the third time, as after your first visit to us, and after I had the honor of visiting you last July, that our cooperation does not target anyone nor exclude anyone. Nor is it a blockade against any neighbor, friend, or partner. On the contrary, we want this agreement to be the first building block in a bridge of international cooperation that we hope will extend across our entire region. Ensuring stability and prosperity for all its countries and peoples.

He said: "We extend a clear and explicit invitation to complete this maritime understanding with anyone who wants to cooperate with us for the good of our peoples. We believe that this is the only way to abandon the language of violence, war, destruction, and policies of hegemony and ambitions, which have cost our region and its people enormous prices.

He concluded: "Dear President, congratulations on today's agreement. And all wishes that it be the beginning of cooperation agreements in all fields. Renewing historical relations between our two countries, which have lasted for hundreds of years. And all wishes for decades of goodness, health, and peace for you, your people, and your country. Long live Cyprus, long live Lebanon.

On October 23, the Lebanese government approved during a session held in Beirut the agreement signed with the administration of Southern Greek Cyprus, despite widespread objections directed at it.