Turkish president rejects international criticism of Libya maritime memorandum

On October 26, 2026, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan defended the Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum following its ratification by the Libyan House of Representatives. Speaking after a cabinet meeting, Erdogan dismissed international objections, including those from the European Union, stating they lack a legal basis. He emphasized that the agreement is a sovereign matter between Turkey and Libya and asserted that Ankara's regional policy remains focused on protecting its maritime rights and interests rather than targeting other nations.

Erdogan rejected claims that Turkey is attempting to isolate other states in the Eastern Mediterranean, framing the agreement as a diplomatic achievement. While expressing a commitment to peaceful dialogue and the resolution of maritime boundary disputes with all coastal states, the Turkish leader insisted that neighboring parties must respect the will of Turkey and Libya. The European Union has previously characterized the memorandum as invalid and contrary to the sovereign rights of third parties, signaling a persistent diplomatic divide regarding regional maritime borders.