Summary:

On 2 July 2025, the Middle East Eye (MEE) reported that Egypt has urged the US to step in and stop Libya’s eastern parliament from approving a maritime agreement with Türkiye.  

According to the same source, Cairo is concerned that ratifying the 2019 maritime deal, which was originally signed by Libya’s western government, could reignite tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The concern comes as Egypt faces growing regional pressure due to its proximity to the ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Sudan.  

Although Libya’s eastern-based government initially opposed the maritime agreement between the Tripoli-based administration and Türkiye, it is now supporting the deal, claiming it is valid under international law. This shift in stance is seen as a result of Türkiye’s growing influence in Libya, particularly in the east. The change has been reflected in a series of high-level engagements, including a visit by Khalifa Haftar’s son to Ankara in April. 

For its part, Türkiye has maintained a firm stance on the maritime agreement with Libya, rejecting recent criticism from the European Union over its 2019 maritime delimitation memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Libya. The Turkish Foreign Ministry defended the deal’s legality under international law and accused the EU of adopting a politically biased position. 

Outlook: 

Libya’s eastern government potentially reversing its position on the maritime deal with Türkiye marks a significant shift in regional alignments that could foment further tensions amidst an already highly dynamic period around the Mediterranean Basin. 

By backing the 2019 agreement, Libya signals a continuing rapprochement with Ankara, reshaping the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean. This development has placed Egypt in a difficult position, prompting it to seek US support not only to counter Türkiye’s growing influence but also to preserve its strategic relationship with Haftar’s government in eastern Libya.  

Meanwhile, Türkiye’s firm position highlights its pragmatic and assertive foreign policy across the Mediterranean, reflected in its diplomatic engagement and strategic partnerships across Libya, with the aim to expand its influence over key maritime zones and natural resources, in a region marked by instability, fragmentation, and strategic partnerships. 

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