French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday said the “historic agreement” between Lebanon and Israel that unlocks offshore gas production was an “important step towards more peace” between the Mediterranean neighbors.
Although Lebanon and Israel have remained technically at war since Israel's creation in 1948, Lebanese President Michel Aoun approved the US-brokered maritime border deal on Thursday.
Macron congratulated Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, Aoun and Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati for their “efforts and their determination,” the Elysee Palace presidency said.
“This is undeniably an important step towards more peace for Israel, for Lebanon and all the countries and peoples of the region.”
Macron stressed that the maritime border agreement, which promotes the exploration and exploitation of gas resources off the coast of Lebanon and Israel “will also contribute to the prosperity of both countries,” in light of a serious economic crisis in Beirut.
He further pointed out that it represents a positive example for the region of what could be attained through a shared desire to reach a solution within the framework of negotiations held based on shared respect.
The presidency added that the three senior officials thanked Macron for his contribution to the conclusion of the deal.
US President Joe Biden has described the conclusion of the maritime demarcation agreement between Lebanon and Israel as a “historic breakthrough,” noting that it was the culmination of months of mediation conducted by the US administration.
He asserted that it is now critical that all parties uphold their commitments and work towards implementation.
Biden thanked the US diplomats who acted as mediators between the two sides and hailed French President Emmanuel Macron and his government for their support in these negotiations.
Macron, for his part, hailed the US mediation and assured that France “will assume its full role, confidently, with its partners” to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
