22.10.2026 12:21
The Ministry of National Defense (MSB) stated that the memorandum of understanding on maritime jurisdiction areas between Turkey and Libya contributes to the protection of the two countries’ rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. Responding also to the reactions of the EU, Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration (GKRY), and Egypt, the MSB emphasized that unilateral assessments by third parties cannot eliminate the legal validity of the memorandum.
The maritime jurisdiction areas memorandum signed between Türkiye and Libya in 2019 has also been approved by the House of Representatives in eastern Libya. Ankara is pleased with the decision. The EU and some countries in the region, however, reacted to the decision.
“WE WELCOME IT”
A statement was made regarding the development in Libya at the weekly press briefing held by the Ministry of National Defense (MSB) in Ankara. The Ministry reported that it “welcomes the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Delimitation of Maritime Jurisdiction Areas by the Libyan House of Representatives on October 20, 2026.” It also thanked the Libyan officials who supported the decision.
“IT STRENGTHENS STRATEGIC COOPERATION”
In the statement, it was stated that the decision confirms the validity of the memorandum signed on the basis of international law and the principles of equity. According to the Ministry, the decision also strengthens strategic cooperation between the two countries. The MSB stated that the memorandum takes into account the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries. It also emphasized that the memorandum contributes to the protection of rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean.
“ONE AND INTEGRATED LIBYA” EMPHASIS
The MSB announced that they support the goal of a “one and integrated Libya” that will unite eastern and western Libya around a common future. The Ministry noted that Türkiye will continue to work for Libya’s unity and integrity, permanent stability, and the strengthening of regional security.
RESPONSE TO EU AND GREECE
The Ministry recalled that the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas falls within the sovereign rights of coastal states. It stated that unilateral assessments by third parties cannot eliminate the legal validity of the memorandum. The MSB also expressed that Türkiye will continue to protect its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean within the framework of international law.
LIBYAN PARLIAMENT APPROVED IT UNANIMOUSLY
The Libyan House of Representatives approved the memorandum unanimously on October 20. In the same session, the House also unanimously revoked its 2020 decision rejecting the approval of the memorandum and its decision to cut political relations with Türkiye. The memorandum had been signed on November 27, 2019, by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and then Prime Minister of the Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj, and entered into force on December 7, 2019.
“THIS IS A SOVEREIGNTY DECISION”
Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives Salihin Abdunnebi defended the memorandum during his reception of Italy’s Consul General in Benghazi, Filippo Colombo. According to the House’s statement, Abdunnebi said, “This is a sovereignty decision, and the Libyan state has the right to safeguard its own interests.” Abdunnebi said, “The agreement does not harm the interests of other countries. Libyans are united on this issue.”
REACTION FROM EU, GREECE, GCA AND EGYPT
The Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that the decision did not change their position regarding the legal validity of the memorandum. The Ministry claimed that the agreement violates international law of the sea and infringes on the sovereign rights of countries in the region. Greek Cypriot Administration (GCA) Foreign Minister Konstantinos Kombos also condemned the decision and alleged that the memorandum violates the sovereign rights of third countries.
European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen issued a joint statement. The two stated that they were saddened by the decision and argued that the EU’s position in 2019 had not changed. Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, meanwhile, described the memorandum as an arrangement that is “absolutely null and void and has no legal effect.” Egypt claimed that the memorandum violates its sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.