Turkiye’s Libya breakthrough could reshape Eastern Mediterranean diplomacy—but face new tests

A major shift in Libya

Eight days before the eastern-based parliament in Tobruk approved the maritime agreement, the Turkish government had made an offer. The deal was signed in 2019 by Turkiye and Libya’s internationally recognised government in Tripoli.

Turkiye backed Tripoli during the 2019–2020 offensive by forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar, but has since broadened contacts with the eastern camp while keeping ties with the capital. A senior Turkish official said Ankara had consistently supported a unified Libya and wanted the country’s stability and resources to benefit its people.

Turkish security personnel in Tripoli stayed in contact with eastern Libyan forces during the conflict, the official said. Intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met Saddam Haftar in Benghazi on June 23, and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met Saddam and Khalifa Haftar in August.

Ankara’s strategic opening

Galip Dalay, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, described Ankara’s outreach to former adversaries as a strategic gain. He argued that closer ties with both Libyan camps could make it harder to form Eastern Mediterranean energy and security arrangements that leave Turkiye out.

Egypt and Greece raise concerns

Greece says the Turkiye-Libya agreement disregards the rights of its islands, including Crete. Turkiye rejects that view, arguing that islands should not automatically count as much as mainland coastlines when maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones are mapped.

Cooperation remains uncertain

Turkish officials say Ankara is open to cooperation on maritime boundaries and energy, while maintaining it will defend what it considers its rights. Fidan has recognised Egypt’s concerns and discussed possible cooperation with Italy.