6 international parties reject the maritime memorandum of understanding between Türkiye and Libya

Six-Party Rejection of the Libyan Parliament’s Ratification of the Maritime Memorandum of Understanding with Turkey

Six international and regional parties—Greece, the European Union, Cyprus, Egypt, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates—have announced their categorical rejection of the maritime memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019. In a joint statement delivered by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at the United Nations, the six parties asserted that the memorandum contradicts international law and cannot serve as a legal basis for the delimitation of maritime zones or for establishing any legal effects that infringe upon the rights of other states.

This joint diplomatic move comes in response to the Libyan House of Representatives’ recent ratification of the agreement. The signatories warned of the negative repercussions the memorandum could have on the security and stability of the Eastern Mediterranean, emphasizing that the Libyan parliament’s ratification does not alter the agreement’s unlawful nature. The statement cited the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the sole framework governing the delimitation of maritime boundaries, while affirming the rights of islands and coastal states.

Conversely, Turkey continues to uphold the agreement, maintaining that it complies with international law and serves the mutual interests of both Turkey and Libya. This underscores the persistent, deep-seated dispute between Ankara and Athens regarding energy issues and maritime borders. The joint statement concluded by reiterating support for the unity and stability of Libya, while calling for the resolution of disputes through diplomatic dialogue. It also expressed Greece’s readiness to pursue direct bilateral discussions with the Libyan side regarding the delimitation of maritime zones between the two nations.