Aoun Calls for Finalizing Maritime Agreement During Joint Press Conference with Cypriot Leader
11/26/2025 12:55:00 PM
President of the Republic Joseph Aoun and Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides aheld a joint press conference at Baabda Palace, marking what Aoun described as a “day of historic significance” for bilateral relations.
Aoun welcomed Christodoulides on his second visit to Lebanon, recalling that the Cypriot leader’s first trip came “on the very first day after my election, an unmistakable gesture of friendship and depth in our ties.”
Aoun said today’s meeting carries “an added meaning,” as the two countries celebrate the completion of the demarcation of their Exclusive Economic Zone, “a step that will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their offshore resources and to launch joint cooperation in this field.”
Aoun extended “deep gratitude” to Christodoulides and to all Lebanese and Cypriot officials, experts, and military personnel who contributed to the effort. “Once again, you have affirmed that respect for international law strengthens friendships between nations, and that the geography of the Mediterranean unites us just as much as history and the future do,” he said.
The Lebanese president outlined broad opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation following the maritime agreement, ranging from energy and renewables to telecommunications, tourism, and joint defense initiatives, including a planned search-and-rescue coordination center.
Aoun also highlighted Lebanon’s expectations ahead of Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the European Union next year, calling for accelerated engagement with Europe and the signing of the EU–Lebanon Strategic Partnership Agreement. He stressed the shared interest in combating irregular migration and securing sustained support for related efforts, noting Lebanon’s “clear and significant” contributions.
Reiterating that the maritime accord “targets no one and excludes no one,” Aoun said Lebanon seeks to extend similar understandings with all willing neighbors. “This agreement should be a foundation for wider regional cooperation, replacing the language of violence, war, and ambitions of domination with stability and prosperity.”
Aoun concluded by congratulating Christodoulides on the agreement, expressing hope that it will usher in a new phase of deepened cooperation. “Our countries share centuries of history,” he said. “May the coming decades bring peace, prosperity, and enduring friendship to Cyprus, its people, and its leadership.”
Aoun welcomed Christodoulides on his second visit to Lebanon, recalling that the Cypriot leader’s first trip came “on the very first day after my election, an unmistakable gesture of friendship and depth in our ties.”
Aoun said today’s meeting carries “an added meaning,” as the two countries celebrate the completion of the demarcation of their Exclusive Economic Zone, “a step that will allow Lebanon and Cyprus to begin exploring their offshore resources and to launch joint cooperation in this field.”
Aoun extended “deep gratitude” to Christodoulides and to all Lebanese and Cypriot officials, experts, and military personnel who contributed to the effort. “Once again, you have affirmed that respect for international law strengthens friendships between nations, and that the geography of the Mediterranean unites us just as much as history and the future do,” he said.
The Lebanese president outlined broad opportunities for expanded bilateral cooperation following the maritime agreement, ranging from energy and renewables to telecommunications, tourism, and joint defense initiatives, including a planned search-and-rescue coordination center.
Aoun also highlighted Lebanon’s expectations ahead of Cyprus’s upcoming presidency of the European Union next year, calling for accelerated engagement with Europe and the signing of the EU–Lebanon Strategic Partnership Agreement. He stressed the shared interest in combating irregular migration and securing sustained support for related efforts, noting Lebanon’s “clear and significant” contributions.
Reiterating that the maritime accord “targets no one and excludes no one,” Aoun said Lebanon seeks to extend similar understandings with all willing neighbors. “This agreement should be a foundation for wider regional cooperation, replacing the language of violence, war, and ambitions of domination with stability and prosperity.”
Aoun concluded by congratulating Christodoulides on the agreement, expressing hope that it will usher in a new phase of deepened cooperation. “Our countries share centuries of history,” he said. “May the coming decades bring peace, prosperity, and enduring friendship to Cyprus, its people, and its leadership.”