The Turkish Defence Ministry has expressed its readiness to sign a maritime boundary agreement with Egypt, following the Libyan parliament's approval of a memorandum of understanding on maritime boundaries signed between Turkey and Libya. The ministry considers the parliament's approval a significant development that supports Turkey's position in the Eastern Mediterranean.
According to the ministry, Egypt could gain an additional area of over 15,000 square kilometers of maritime jurisdiction if it signs a similar agreement with Turkey, compared to a potential agreement with Greece. The ministry's spokesperson emphasized that the Libyan parliament's approval on October 20 of the 2019 maritime boundary memorandum supports Turkey's approach based on international law and fairness.
The Turkish Defence Ministry reiterated its commitment to protecting Turkey's legitimate rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean while contributing to regional peace, security, and stability. The ministry's statement comes amid ongoing disputes over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Libyan parliament's approval of the maritime deal with Turkey has sparked regional and international objections regarding the demarcation of maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry rejected the parliament's approval, stating that it does not have any legal implications for Cairo.
The European Union also expressed its reservations about the memorandum, arguing that it infringes on the sovereign rights of other countries and contradicts international maritime law. The dispute over maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean continues, with Egypt and Greece having signed an agreement to demarcate their exclusive economic zones.
Turkey's Defence Ministry has reaffirmed its previous statements, with Defence Minister Yasar Guler expressing willingness to reach a maritime agreement with Egypt. The minister highlighted the potential maritime gains for Egypt from a deal with Turkey compared to a possible agreement with Greece.
The Turkish Defence Ministry's stance underscores the ongoing tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, where multiple countries have competing claims to maritime territories. The situation remains complex, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to resolve the disputes.
Key points
- Turkey's Defence Ministry says it is ready to sign a maritime boundary agreement with Egypt.
- The Libyan parliament's approval of the maritime deal with Turkey has sparked regional and international objections.
- Egypt and Greece have signed an agreement to demarcate their exclusive economic zones in the Eastern Mediterranean.
