To begin exploring their marine wealth… Lebanon and Cyprus sign an agreement to demarcate the borders of the economic zone

Lebanon and Cyprus took a very important step in the course of their relations, after they signed, on Wednesday, an agreement to demarcate the borders of the exclusive economic zone.

In Beirut, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his Cypriot counterpart, Nikos Christodoulides, witnessed the signing of the agreement that paves the way for the start of exploration for the marine resources of the two countries.

Aoun said in a speech he delivered after signing the agreement in the presence of the Cypriot President: “We are here to celebrate the completion of the demarcation of the borders of the exclusive economic zone between our two countries, which will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their marine wealth and enhance joint cooperation in this field.”

He added: “After demarcating the sea, we can work seriously on bilateral agreements with exploring companies, as well as on joint projects in several fields, including energy, tourism and communications.”

Aoun stressed that “this cooperation does not target anyone, does not exclude anyone, and is not a blockade of any neighbor, friend or partner. Quite the opposite. We want it to be the first building block in building a bridge of international cooperation throughout our region, ensuring stability and prosperity for all its countries and peoples.”

The Lebanese President issued an “explicit call to complete this maritime understanding with everyone who wishes to cooperate with us,” considering it “the only way to abandon the language of violence, war, destruction, and policies of hegemony and ambitions that have cost our region and its peoples a heavy price.”

Last month, the Lebanese Council of Ministers approved the demarcation agreement with Cyprus.