World · Africa · 2 hrs ago
Eastern Libya parliament approves 2019 maritime deal with Turkey
Eastern Libya’s parliament approved a maritime agreement with Turkey on Tuesday, reversing its earlier opposition to the deal.
Libya is divided between rival eastern and western administrations, with military commander Khalifa Haftar leading the east.
The agreement was signed in 2019 by Turkey and Libya’s Tripoli-based government to define maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea.
In 2020, the eastern parliament rejected the deal and cut political ties with Ankara.
The lawmakers also revoked those 2020 decisions, ending the boycott and marking an improvement in ties between Turkey and eastern Libya.
Greece and Cyprus have opposed the agreement, saying it disregards other countries’ rights in the region.
The approval could strengthen Turkey’s ties with eastern Libya, though the sources do not say what formal steps will follow.
Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives unanimously approved a 2019 maritime boundary agreement with Turkey on Tuesday.
The parliament also revoked its 2020 decisions rejecting the agreement and cutting political ties with Ankara.
The deal was signed by Turkey and Libya’s internationally recognised Government of National Accord, based in Tripoli.
The eastern parliament said the agreement would strengthen Libya’s political, military and economic position.
Greece and Cyprus have opposed the deal, saying it disregards the rights of other eastern Mediterranean countries.
- Who
- Libya’s eastern-based House of Representatives approved the agreement.
- What
- It approved a 2019 maritime boundary deal with Turkey and revoked its 2020 rejection of the deal and boycott of Ankara.
- When
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026.
- Where
- Eastern Libya; the deal concerns maritime boundaries in the Mediterranean Sea.
- Why
- The eastern parliament said the agreement would strengthen Libya’s national interests and its political, military and economic position.
Greece and Cyprus
Turkey and Libya’s eastern parliament
Maritime claims
Greece and Cyprus
Greece and Cyprus denounced the deal, saying it disregarded the rights of other eastern Mediterranean countries.
Turkey and Libya’s eastern parliament
The eastern parliament approved the deal, saying it would strengthen Libya’s position.
Regional impact
Greece and Cyprus
Greece and Cyprus have opposed the agreement.
Turkey and Libya’s eastern parliament
Turkey and Libya’s eastern parliament support the agreement and its strategic advantages.
The Libyan civil war began, with forces loyal to the Tripoli-based government in conflict with the LNA.
Turkey and Libya’s Tripoli-based Government of National Accord signed the maritime boundary agreement.
Libya’s eastern parliament rejected ratification of the deal and cut political ties with Ankara.
Turkey and the LNA agreed to develop military facilities and advanced surveillance systems.
Libya’s eastern parliament unanimously approved the agreement and revoked its 2020 decisions.
- Approval
- Unanimous vote by the eastern House of Representatives
- Agreement
- 2019 maritime boundary memorandum between Turkey and Libya’s Government of National Accord
- Reversed decisions
- 2020 rejection of ratification and cut in political ties with Ankara
- Eastern Libya commander
- Khalifa Haftar
- Stated benefit
- Stronger political, military and economic position for Libya
3 sources
What people are saying
Some countries may be upset by this agreement, but what matters to us is our national interest
Some countries may be upset by this agreement, but what matters to us is our national interest
Specialised committees presented a full and detailed explanation of the deal’s provisions