Lebanon and Cyprus Finalize Maritime Border Agreement, Paving Way for Energy Exploration

Lebanon and Cyprus have signed a maritime border demarcation agreement, concluding nearly two decades of negotiations and setting the stage for potential offshore energy exploration. The accord was formalized on November 26, 2025, at the Baabda Presidential Palace in Beirut, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides officiating the signing ceremony.

This agreement delineates the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of both nations, enabling them to proceed with the exploration and development of offshore resources. The initial deal, drafted in 2007, faced delays due to Lebanon's maritime dispute with Israel and internal political challenges. A breakthrough occurred in 2022 when Lebanon and Israel delineated their maritime borders under a U.S.-brokered deal, paving the way for Lebanon to finalize its agreement with Cyprus.

During the signing ceremony, President Christodoulides described the deal as a "historic agreement," concluding an issue pending for many years and expressing optimism about future joint initiatives. President Aoun emphasized that the signing sends "a clear... invitation" to anyone who wants to cooperate with Lebanon.

The agreement holds significant economic implications for both countries. Lebanon, grappling with a deep economic and financial crisis since 2019, views offshore energy exploration as a potential avenue for economic recovery. The country hopes that hydrocarbon discoveries could generate state revenues and stimulate economic activity. To date, no commercially viable resources have been found in Lebanese waters.

Cyprus, which has discovered approximately 20 trillion cubic feet of gas, sees the agreement as an opportunity to supply European markets seeking to reduce dependence on Russian gas. Prior uncertainty over the Lebanese border had impeded Cyprus from expanding exploration into adjacent waters.

The agreement has elicited strong objections from Turkey, which argues that it infringes upon the rights of Turkish Cypriots in the ethnically divided island of Cyprus. Turkey, which recognizes only the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) and not the internationally recognized Greek Cypriot government, condemned the deal as unacceptable. The Turkish Defence Ministry stated that the accord ignores TRNC's rights and negatively affects the interests of the Lebanese people. Turkey expressed willingness to collaborate with Lebanon on maritime matters instead.

This development also marks a potential step toward broader regional cooperation, though Lebanon has yet to settle its maritime boundaries with Syria. The deal highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Eastern Mediterranean, where multiple nations have overlapping claims and interests.

In conclusion, the Lebanon-Cyprus maritime border agreement represents a significant milestone in regional diplomacy and energy exploration. While it offers promising economic prospects for both nations, it also underscores the intricate geopolitical landscape of the Eastern Mediterranean.