Beirut and Nicosia sign maritime border deal: Complete text released

BEIRUT — The final version of the agreement was signed Wednesday at the Baabda Palace between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and his Cypriot counterpart Nikos Christodoulides, ending lengthy negotiations over the final delineation of the maritime border between the two countries.

According to both heads of state, this signing will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their offshore resources and strengthen their cooperation in this field, particularly through the conclusion of bilateral agreements.

Here is the full text of the final agreement, in an official English version.

Agreement between the Republic of Lebanon and the Republic of Cyprus on the delimitation of the of the exclusive economic zone

The Republic of Lebanon and the Republic of Cyprus (hereinafter referred to as "the two Parties"); Desiring to strengthen further the ties of good — neighborhood and cooperation between the two countries.

Recognizing the importance of the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone for the purpose of development in both countries.

Recalling the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, to which the two countries are parties, in particular Article 74 thereof.

Bearing in mind the Agreement signed between them on Jan, 17 2007 on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone, which has not entered into force.

Having regard to the exchange of letters of Oct. 27 2022 related to the establishment of the southern maritime boundary of the Republic of Lebanon.

Have agreed as follows:

Article 1. The delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone between the two Parties is effected by the median line defined by points (23), (25), (24) and (1) to (7) according to the list of Geographical Coordinates annexed to this Agreement (Annex I).

b. The median line, as determined, appears graphically and for illustrative purposes only on the chart shown in Annex II to this Agreement.

c. Taking into consideration article 74 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea of 10 December 1982, the geographical coordinates of point (7) could be reviewed and duly revised as necessary in light of future delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone with the other relevant neighbouring State and in accordance with an agreement to be reached on this matter by the neighbouring States concerned.

Article 2. In case there are natural resources extending from the Exclusive Economic Zone of one Party to the Exclusive Economic Zone of the other, the two Parties shall cooperate in order to reach an agreement on the modalities of the exploitation of such resources.

Article 3. If any of the two Parties is engaged in negotiations aimed at the delimitation of its Exclusive Economic Zone, and if such delimitation is in connection with the geographical coordinates of point (7), this Party, before reaching a final agreement with the other relevant neighbouring State, shall notify and consult the other Party.

Article 4.

a. Any dispute arising from the implementation of this Agreement shall be settled through diplomatic channels in a spirit of understanding and cooperation.

b. In case the two Parties do not settle the dispute within a reasonable period of time through diplomatic channels, then the dispute will be referred to arbitration in accordance with the PCA Arbitration Rules 2012.

Article 5.

a. This Agreement is subject to ratification according to the constitutional procedures in each country.

b. This Agreement shall enter into force upon the exchange of the instruments of ratification.

DONE in duplicate at ..... this...... day of 2025 in the English, Greek and Arabic languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of differences of interpretation, the English text shall prevail. For the Republic of Lebanon For the Republic of Cyprus