President Christodoulides is visiting Beirut today, where he and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun are expected to sign two agreements, focusing on energy and regional cooperation.
The most critical agreement involves the long-delayed demarcation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the Republic of Cyprus and Lebanon. This deal has been pending since 2007, reportedly stalled due to interventions from Turkey directed at successive Lebanese governments.
The politically sensitive nature of the signing was the reason Nicosia intentionally kept details of the trip under wraps until the last minute, aiming to prevent any potential moves that could derail the planned signing.
The second key agreement concerns electricity interconnection between the two countries. Nicosia has indicated its readiness to discuss proposals and assist its neighbour with strengthening its energy infrastructure.
Regional stability
The trip follows the Lebanese Cabinet’s approval of the maritime border demarcation between Lebanon and Cyprus on 24 October, a move hailed as potentially bringing about significant developments in regional energy exploration and cooperation.
When questioned about the visit yesterday, President Christodoulides confirmed he was travelling to Lebanon “for two important issues, which I will announce when I am in Lebanon.” He declined to elaborate, citing “many reasons,” including not only communication but also “political reasons.”
The Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, later issued a written statement, confirming that the visit—at the invitation of President Aoun—is of “particular importance, at a time when cooperation, mutual trust, and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean are gaining even greater gravity.”
Letymbiotis stated that the visit is part of Cyprus’s ongoing effort to deepen its relations with Lebanon, describing it as a vital partner “with whom we share historically friendly ties, common challenges, and strategic interests.” The Spokesman confirmed that the specific announcements to be made today involve issues of energy cooperation and wider regional aspects, which he said confirm the Republic of Cyprus’s stable orientation towards enhancing security and stability in the region.
Three hours in Lebanon
The visit to the neighbouring country is expected to last approximately three hours. President Christodoulides and his delegation are due to arrive in Beirut around 11 am, where he will be met by Lebanon’s Minister of Public Works and Transport, Fayez Rasamni.
Following the official reception at the Presidential Palace, President Christodoulides will hold a private meeting with President Aoun, which will be followed by expanded talks involving delegations from both countries. Statements from Presidents Christodoulides and Aoun are expected around 12:30 pm, followed by a working lunch. President Christodoulides is scheduled to depart the Presidential Palace around 2 pm.
The President’s delegation includes the Government Spokesman, Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna, National Security Advisor Tassos Tzionis, Director of the President’s Diplomatic Office Doros Venezis, and other officials. Cyprus also signalled that the two Presidents would discuss the further enhancement of EU-Lebanon cooperation, particularly ahead of the forthcoming Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
