Libyan House of Representatives votes to accept Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum

On October 20, 2026, the Libyan House of Representatives unanimously voted to accept the 2019 memorandum of understanding on maritime jurisdiction between Turkey and Libya. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the decision during a parliamentary group meeting of the Justice and Development Party (AKP), describing it as an "extremely pleasant development" that strengthens Turkey's legal and strategic position in the Eastern Mediterranean. Devlet Bahceli, leader of the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP), also hailed the move as a confirmation of the "Blue Homeland" doctrine and a step that reinforces the memorandum's legitimacy.

While the move was celebrated in Ankara, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan clarified from Brussels that the Libyan vote should be interpreted as an act of "acceptance" rather than ratification, as Turkey maintains that the agreement has been in full effect since it was signed in 2019. The Turkish Ministry of National Defense reaffirmed that the memorandum complies with international law and rejected criticism from Greece and the European Union, stating that external assessments will not invalidate the pact. The Libyan parliament's decision also involved overturning a 2020 resolution that had previously rejected the ratification of agreements with Turkey, signaling a significant shift in legislative stance.