A heavy blow to Greece and Israel after Turkey...

Tripoli (Caasimada Online) – The Libyan Parliament has approved by majority the maritime border agreement signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019, a move seen as strengthening Ankara's strategic position, while potentially posing a challenge to the interests of Greece and Israel in the Eastern Mediterranean.

This agreement renews the long-standing dispute over maritime borders, energy resources, and the geographical influence in the region. Turkey views the agreement as reinforcing its claims over the maritime areas it is interested in, while Greece and other countries have opposed its provisions.

The agreement was signed in 2019, at a time when forces led by General Khalifa Haftar were conducting a military offensive against the capital Tripoli, where the Government of National Accord recognized by the United Nations was based. Turkey provided military support to the government at that time, which was part of the security and political cooperation between the two sides.

Greece has strongly opposed the agreement, arguing that the maritime rights of its islands are not fairly considered. Turkey and Greece have long disputed maritime, airspace, and rights arising from the islands in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. Egypt has also formed political and maritime cooperation with Greece, which is part of the regional struggle.

On the Israeli side, the agreement could impact energy plans in the Eastern Mediterranean, where important natural gas fields for energy exports are located.

Israel, Greece, and Cyprus have previously supported plans to deliver gas from the region to European markets, including the EastMed pipeline project, which has faced political, technical, and economic challenges.

Turkey aims to become a key transit route connecting energy sources from the Middle East to European markets. Ankara views the agreement with Libya as strengthening its geographical position and influence over energy plans, especially considering gas pipeline projects that may traverse disputed maritime areas.

The approval of the agreement also comes at a time when Turkey's relations with various Libyan political factions, including the administration of Khalifa Haftar, are improving.

Turkey has welcomed the parliament's decision, which provides additional political support for the agreement, although the legal and political disputes surrounding it have not been resolved.

The Turkey-Libya agreement thus remains a significant factor in the Eastern Mediterranean's dynamics, concerning maritime boundaries, oil and gas exploration, security, and transit routes.

However, the approval of this agreement is reviving regional conflicts, as Turkey seeks to enhance its influence, while Greece and Israel are interested in protecting their maritime interests and energy plans.