US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo hailed Thursday an agreement under which Israel and Lebanon will discuss their disputed maritime and land borders.

"This historic agreement between the two parties was brokered by the United States and is the result of nearly three years of intense diplomatic engagement" by US diplomats, Pompeo said in a statement.

"Today's announcement is a vital step forward that serves the interests of Lebanon and Israel, of the region, and of the United States," he added.