Egypt, Bahrain and UAE join Greece in opposing Turkiye-Libya maritime deal, warning it threatens regional security and legal principles

Egypt, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have joined Greece in opposing a maritime agreement between Turkiye and Libya, saying it threatens regional security and the international legal framework amid a long-running dispute over eastern Mediterranean maritime boundaries.

In a joint statement delivered by Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis at the United Nations in New York on Monday, the four countries said the agreement raised “serious concerns for regional security and stability.” They warned that it could set a dangerous precedent by allowing “arbitrary bilateral arrangements” to undermine established international legal principles.

Libya’s eastern parliament approved the agreement last week. The deal was originally signed in 2019 and drew immediate criticism from Greece and Cyprus, which argue that it encroaches on their maritime claims.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan rejected criticism of the approval from the European Union and other parties on Monday, saying their reactions had no legitimate basis. He also defended Ankara’s approach to the eastern Mediterranean.