On Saturday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that his country seeks to maintain the political and military gains that Ankara has achieved in several regions, starting from Syria in the east to Libya in the west, and the eastern Mediterranean as well.
“The anti-Turkish sides are trying to prevent the renaissance of our country by preoccupying it with internal problems,” Erdogan said during a virtual speech at the opening ceremony of the newly-built North Marmara Highway.
Turkey, which is exploring gas and oil reserves in waters claimed by NATO member Greece, deployed last month an expedition ship supported by military frigates.
Last week, Turkish naval forces have conducted a search and rescue exercise off the coast of Libya.
On 27 November, Erdogan signed a maritime border demarcation agreement with the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) headed by Fayez al-Sarraj. The GNA Interior Minister, Fathi Bashagha, has said in press statements that the agreement is related to combating terrorism and illegal immigration.
However, the Interim government based in eastern Libya has denounced the agreement, considering it illegal.