Egypt prepares legal response to Turkey-Libya memorandum

Egypt has announced the preparation of a comprehensive legal file to challenge the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, following the Libyan Parliament's recent ratification of the agreement. Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nader Zaki stated on October 25, 2026, that Cairo is coordinating diplomatic and legal efforts with Greece and Cyprus to protect its sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Cairo maintains that the memorandum is legally void and illegitimate, asserting that it will not accept the creation of accomplished facts in its exclusive economic zone and continental shelf.

Simultaneously, Saddam Haftar, the deputy commander of eastern Libyan forces, arrived in Cairo on Sunday, October 25, amidst high regional tensions. Reports suggest his visit aims to mitigate Egyptian opposition following the unilateral ratification of the agreement by the Libyan Parliament. This diplomatic development occurs against the backdrop of failed Ankara-mediated talks between Tripoli and Benghazi, signaling a deepening complexity in regional relations. Egypt has reaffirmed its commitment to international law, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reiterating the country's firm stance during meetings with Turkish officials in Istanbul. Cairo is currently evaluating all available options, including the potential suspension of offshore activities, to defend its territorial interests.