Erdogan Dismisses EU Opposition to Turkish-Libyan Maritime Memorandum

by · Greek City Times

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed European Union objections to the Turkish-Libyan maritime memorandum, insisting Ankara will not abandon its claims in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan welcomed the unanimous approval of the 2019 memorandum by Libya’s House of Representatives, describing the decision as a significant step in protecting what Turkey considers its maritime rights.

He also criticised the EU and countries opposing the agreement, accusing them of attempting to exclude Turkey from the Eastern Mediterranean.

Erdogan hails unanimous approval of memorandum

Erdogan presented the Libyan parliament’s decision as a diplomatic success for Ankara, highlighting the unanimous vote as evidence of agreement among Libyan political factions.

Read more: Greece Leads Six Nations Against Turkish-Libyan Maritime Deal

“On November 27, 2019, we signed with the Libyan Government of National Accord the strategically important memorandum on the delimitation of maritime zones,” Erdogan said.

“This memorandum was a major step that ensures the legitimate rights of Turkey and Libya in the Eastern Mediterranean.”

He welcomed the unanimous approval by Libya’s House of Representatives last week, arguing that it reflected a shared commitment to Libya’s national interests despite internal political divisions.

According to Erdogan, the agreement also reinforced Turkey’s longstanding position in support of a unified Libya.

“Another important aspect of the decision is that our Libyan brothers, despite their political differences, are acting together on issues that concern their national interests,” he said.

Erdogan rejects EU criticism

The Turkish president strongly rejected the EU’s response to the memorandum, claiming European objections lacked a legal basis.

“The reactions that were expressed after the approval of the memorandum, led by the European Union, have no legal basis,” Erdogan said.

He maintained that Turkey’s policy in the Eastern Mediterranean was focused on protecting its interests in maritime zones rather than imposing unilateral outcomes.

“Our only interest is to protect our rights and interests in the maritime zones,” he said.

Erdogan also called for disputes to be resolved peacefully through dialogue with countries bordering the Eastern Mediterranean.

“We support addressing disputes by peaceful means and resolving them through dialogue with all coastal countries,” he said, adding that he expected the EU and other international actors to demonstrate the same willingness.

Ankara warns against efforts to exclude Turkey

Erdogan issued a warning to countries opposing the agreement, insisting that international criticism would not alter Ankara’s foreign policy.

“Turkey is not a country that pays attention to such statements nor does it shape its policy based on them,” he said.

He added that Turkey’s national interests would remain the guiding principle of its foreign policy, even if defending those interests came at a cost.

“I remind once again those who are trying to exclude Turkey from the Eastern Mediterranean that we expect them to show respect for the common will of our country and Libya,” Erdogan said.

The remarks underline Ankara’s determination to maintain its position in the Eastern Mediterranean despite continued opposition to the maritime agreement from Greece, Cyprus and the European Union.

The memorandum, signed in November 2019 between Turkey and Libya’s then internationally recognised Government of National Accord, established a disputed maritime boundary between the two countries.

Greece and other regional actors reject the agreement, arguing that it disregards the maritime rights of Greek islands, including Crete, and conflicts with the principles of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Erdogan calls for unity in Libya

Erdogan also addressed Libya’s internal political divisions, saying Turkey wanted to see greater stability across the country.

“As Turkey, we no longer want to see divisions and rivalries in Libya or any other Muslim country,” he said.

He pledged that Ankara would continue engaging with all relevant parties to support dialogue and cooperation.

Erdogan concluded by congratulating Libya’s House of Representatives and sending greetings to the Libyan people, expressing hope that cooperation between the two countries would continue.

The memorandum remains a major source of regional tension, with Greece and its partners maintaining that the agreement cannot override the maritime rights of Greek islands under international law.

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