Turkey Reaffirms Legality of Maritime Agreement with Libya
On Saturday, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that the 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Libya is fully consistent with international law, amid renewed criticism from European Union officials.
Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated in a press release that Turkey will not accept any unilateral actions that undermine its legitimate maritime rights.
He emphasized that the memorandum of understanding, signed between Turkey and Libya's internationally recognized government, was legally sound and aligned with principles of international law.
Keçeli denounced what he called politically motivated remarks from the European Union, asserting that such statements fail to contribute to peace or regional stability. 'The EU continues to make biased claims based on political motives rather than legal reasoning,' he said.
He specifically criticised Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration, accusing them of attempting to impose maximalist claims in the Eastern Mediterranean through EU mechanisms. 'These efforts contradict international law and fairness,' he said, adding that the two governments are using EU institutions to promote national interests that infringe on others' rights.
Turkey, Keçeli continued, urges the EU to act as a neutral body and to encourage its members to comply with international law, rather than taking sides in complex legal and geopolitical matters.
The 2019 agreement between Turkey and Libya aimed to delineate exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean. However, it has triggered strong objections from neighboring countries, particularly Greece, which argues the deal ignores the rights of Greek islands.
Despite the criticism, Ankara insists that the deal was a legitimate response to attempts to marginalize Turkey's maritime rights in the region. Keçeli concluded that Turkey remains determined to defend its interests peacefully and legally, and to continue cooperation with Libya under the existing agreement. Tags: CypruseuGreecelibyaMaritime AgreementTurkey
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Libya Review
2 hours ago
- Libya Review
Greece Urges Libya-EU Cooperation on Irregular Migration
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has confirmed the deployment of Greek naval vessels off the Libyan coast, aimed at curbing a sharp increase in irregular migration across the Mediterranean. Speaking ahead of the European Union summit in Brussels, Mitsotakis stated: 'I will brief my EU colleagues on the significant rise in the number of migrants coming from eastern Libya and call for immediate support from the European Commission to address this issue.' The Greek leader emphasized that his country seeks cooperation—not confrontation—with Libya to stem the growing tide of migrants attempting dangerous sea crossings to Europe. The move comes after recent months saw a surge in arrivals from North Africa, Sudan, and the Middle East. Mitsotakis noted that European officials—including the EU Commissioner for Migration, along with ministers from Italy, Greece, and Malta—are scheduled to visit Libya in early July to discuss joint solutions. He stressed the importance of Libyan authorities working collaboratively with European nations to tackle smuggling networks and migration flows. Commenting on Greece's naval presence, Mitsotakis clarified: 'When migrant boats are detected, we are contacted by Libyan authorities to intercept and return them to Libya.' Libya has long struggled with law enforcement and border control since the 2011 uprising that ousted longtime ruler Muammar Gaddafi. A decade of factional conflict has split the country into rival eastern and western administrations, making coordinated migration efforts more challenging. Tags: euGreecelibyaMediterraneanmigration
Libya Review
4 hours ago
- Libya Review
Libyan PM Rejects Greek Objections to Libya–Turkey Maritime Deal
Libya's parliament-designate Prime Minister Osama Hammad has firmly rejected recent statements from Greek officials questioning the legitimacy of Libya's maritime agreement with Turkey. In a strong-worded address during a graduation ceremony for officers from the Higher Institute for Police Officers on Saturday, Hammad reiterated Libya's categorical refusal to accept any form of challenge or interference in its sovereign decisions, especially concerning international agreements made with allied nations. He stressed that the maritime accord with Turkey is grounded in international law and does not violate the sovereignty of any third country. According to Hammad, the agreement reflects Libya's right to form partnerships that serve its national interests and enhance regional cooperation. He emphasized that these agreements are a matter of Libyan sovereignty and cannot be subject to external review or political pressure. The Prime Minister warned against the continuation of what he described as Greece's policy of provocation and incitement, asserting that such behavior only fuels regional tensions and undermines efforts toward stability. He affirmed that Libya retains the full right to respond decisively to any actions that threaten its territorial integrity or political independence. Hammad further clarified that the movement and operations of diplomatic missions and international organizations within Libyan territory are governed solely by Libyan law. Entry and activity must be explicitly approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant security bodies. He called on national security institutions to take all necessary steps to ensure the respect of Libya's legal and diplomatic frameworks. This firm stance comes amid a backdrop of heightened regional scrutiny following the Libya–Turkey maritime agreement signed in 2019. While Greece has claimed the deal infringes on its maritime rights, Libya maintains that it was negotiated and signed within the bounds of international legal norms. Tags: GreecelibyaMaritime DealPrime MinisterTurkey
Libya Review
7 hours ago
- Libya Review
Can Benghazi Become Italy's Main Economic Gateway to Libya?
A delegation of around 80 Italian business leaders recently arrived in Benghazi to take part in the Libya–Italy Economic Forum for Reconstruction and Development, signaling a renewed Italian interest in engaging with eastern Libya's economic revival, according to Italy's Nova news agency. The forum marked a turning point in economic engagement between Italy and eastern Libya, bringing new momentum to bilateral trade and investment. According to Nova, the Italian business leaders arrived aboard the first direct ITA Airways flight from Rome to Benghazi. The event, co-organized by the Libyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Libyan Reconstruction and Development Fund, led by Belgassem Haftar, focused on building partnerships in vital sectors such as energy, infrastructure, agriculture, logistics, and industrial manufacturing. Benghazi, once heavily affected by conflict, presented itself as a city in transformation. Nova noted that the Italian delegation visited the newly inaugurated Benghazi International Stadium and the rebuilt University of Benghazi, both symbols of post-war recovery. The skyline of Benghazi is now filled with cranes and ongoing construction projects, with Nova describing it as a dynamic urban landscape comparable to Dubai in the 1980s or Shanghai in the early 2000s. Multiple memoranda of understanding were signed with 98 Italian companies, including major names such as Iveco, Todini, Termomeccanica, and Renco. These agreements target cooperation in sectors ranging from transport and healthcare to environmental solutions and energy management. Nova emphasized that this initiative reflects Italy's strategy of establishing long-term, high-quality business partnerships in eastern Libya. Nicola Colicci, head of the Italian–Libyan Chamber of Commerce, launched a permanent office in Benghazi during the forum, declaring Italy's intention to maintain a stable presence. 'We're not here as short-term visitors,' Colicci said. 'We want to build something lasting with Libya.' This economic forum, supported by the Libyan Reconstruction Fund, is seen as a milestone in repositioning Benghazi as a central hub for foreign investment, with Italy now rising to second place among Libya's top trade partners after China, according to Nova. Tags: benghaziEconomic ForuminvestmentItalylibyaReconstruction
