Eastern Libyan parliament approves contested maritime deal with Turkey

The Libyan House of Representatives in Benghazi approved a maritime delimitation agreement with Turkey on Tuesday. Middle East Eye reported that the eastern parliament also revoked a 2020 boycott decision targeting Ankara. The ratification represents a significant diplomatic victory for Turkish maritime claims in the Eastern Mediterranean region. [2][3][4]

Before the parliamentary vote, Greece attempted to gather its regional partners to block the deal. Middle East Eye reported that officials in the region confirmed Greece held consultations with Egypt, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates. Greek City Times also reported that Greek officials consulted with Cyprus and Egypt regarding the agreement. [2][8]

Egyptian and Greek foreign ministers discussed developments in Libya ahead of an upcoming trilateral summit. Ahram Online and Egypt Today both reported on the talks between the two foreign ministers, which focused on the situation in Libya. The Libya Observer reported that Libyan and Egyptian officials had also held discussions on Monday regarding bilateral ties. [1][6][7]

The approved maritime deal challenges broader regional efforts by Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the United Arab Emirates to contain Turkish influence in Libya. Middle East Eye reported that the agreement aligns with shifting regional dynamics, as Egypt and Turkey cohere on several issues and Israel supports Saddam Haftar's rise to power. [2][3][4]