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.
