06.11.2026 22:40
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that a French-flagged vessel attempted to conduct unauthorized scientific research within Turkey's continental shelf in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the statement, it was noted that the navigational warnings issued for the vessel by Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus were canceled by Turkey, while it was emphasized that, in accordance with the established provisions of the law of the sea, consent must be obtained from Turkey.
Türkiye has taken action against a scientific research activity that a French-flagged vessel plans to carry out within the boundaries of its continental shelf.
NAVIGATIONAL WARNINGS OF GREECE AND THE GREEK CYPRIOT ADMINISTRATION CANCELLED
In a statement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it was stated that a French-flagged vessel intends to conduct an unlawful marine scientific research activity aimed at laying cables without authorization within Turkey's continental shelf boundaries that Turkey notified to the United Nations on March 18, 2020.
The statement reported that unauthorized navigational warnings issued by Greece and the Greek Cypriot Administration of Southern Cyprus for the activity in question were cancelled by Turkey.
PERMISSION MUST BE OBTAINED FROM TURKEY
The Ministry emphasized that, for the part of the activity the vessel plans to carry out that falls within Turkey's continental shelf boundaries, Turkey's consent must be obtained in accordance with the established provisions of international maritime law. It was noted that the permission process in question has not yet been completed.
"WE ARE DETERMINED TO PROTECT OUR SOVEREIGN RIGHTS"
At the end of its statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs underlined that Turkey will continue to protect its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and used the following expressions: "Our determination to protect our sovereign rights stemming from international law is complete, and we will continue to adopt an approach based on cooperation, dialogue and coordination in the region."