Israel, Lebanon have concluded 'historic' maritime deal, Biden says
Lebanon and Israel formally concluded a "historic" maritime border deal on Thursday in the presence of U.S. officials, U.S. President Joe Biden said.
"Both parties took the final steps to bring the agreement into force and submitted the final paperwork to the United Nations in the presence of the United States," Biden said in a statement.
The accord between Israel and energy-starved Lebanon, which have no diplomatic relations, was brokered through mediation of a U.S. envoy, Amos Hochstein, who was attending the exchange of letters in the southern Lebanese town of Naqoura.
Biden said the "historic agreement" benefitted both countries.
"This agreement takes us one step closer to realizing a vision for a Middle East that is more secure, integrated and prosperous, delivering benefits for all the people of the region," Biden said.
Source: Agence France Presse
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