Türkiye has welcomed Libya's parliamentary approval of a disputed maritime agreement, despite strong opposition from the European Union, which says the deal violates international maritime law.
Libya's eastern-based parliament voted unanimously on Tuesday to ratify the 2019 agreement, overturning its earlier rejection in a major shift in the politically divided country.
The deal, signed by Türkiye and Libya's Tripoli-based government, defines maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean, with implications for offshore energy exploration.
Türkiye's Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision, saying the agreement complies with international law and safeguardsboth countries' maritime interests.
The European Union strongly opposed the decision, with European Council President António Costa describing the agreement as “null and void,” saying it infringes on the sovereign rights of third countries and violates the law of the sea.
Greece and Egypt also oppose the deal, arguing that it ignores maritime zones around Greek islands, particularly Crete.
The dispute dates back to 2019, when Türkiye signed the agreement during Libya's civil war.
At the time, forces loyal to eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar were fighting the Tripoli-based government, which had Türkiye's military backing.
Libya's eastern parliament rejected the deal in 2020, highlighting the country's deep political divisions.
Tuesday's vote comes after years of diplomatic efforts by Ankara to build closer ties with eastern Libya, including Haftar's political allies, while maintaining relations with Tripoli.
The agreement carries significant economic and strategic weight, with the eastern Mediterranean home to substantial natural gas reserves. Competing maritime claims have complicated energy exploration and regional cooperation.
Türkiye maintains that its maritime boundaries are based on equitable geographical principles. Greece, meanwhile, argues that its islands in the Aegean Sea are entitled to maritime zones under international law.
While the parliamentary vote bolsters Ankara's diplomatic position, it does not settle competing maritime claims or mean the agreement has gained international recognition.
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