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 said on Tuesday he was happy that the governments of Israel and Lebanon would "establish a permanent maritime boundary between them."
Biden praised the openness of Israeli and Lebanese leaders for negotiating, consulting, and ultimately choosing what was in the best interests of their people.
"I have just spoken with the Prime Minister of Israel, Yair Lapid, and the President of Lebanon, Michel Aoun, who confirmed the readiness of both governments to move forward with this agreement," Biden said in a statement released by the White House.
"Energy—particularly in the Eastern Mediterranean—should serve as the tool for cooperation, stability, security, and prosperity, not for conflict," read the statement.
It indicated that the agreement announced by both governments would provide for the development of energy fields for the benefit of both countries, setting the stage for a more stable and prosperous region and harnessing vital new energy resources for the world.
The US president asserted that it is now critical that all parties uphold their commitments and work towards implementation.
The agreement "provides Lebanon the space to begin its own exploitation of energy resources," said Biden, adding that it promotes the interests of the United States and the American people in a more stable, prosperous, and integrated Middle East region, with reduced risks of new conflicts."
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.
