Egypt Denies Favoring Cyprus, Greece, Israel Over Libya-Turkey Deal
Translated & summarized from Alarab by baba
Egypt's Foreign Ministry rejected a Libya-Turkey maritime deal, citing direct national interests and denying it was a favor to Cyprus, Greece, or Israel. Spokesperson Nader Zaki called the deal legally void and without effect, impacting Egypt's exclusive economic zone. The ministry affirmed its right to take action under international law and stressed that consultations with Mediterranean partners are strategic, not preferential.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Egypt rejected a Libya-Turkey maritime deal based on national interests, denying favoritism to Cyprus, Greece, and Israel.
- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nader Zaki called the Libyan parliament-approved deal legally void and without effect.
- Egypt maintains its rejection of the agreement, first deemed void in 2019, despite seven years passing.
- The deal impacts Egypt's exclusive economic zone in the Mediterranean, according to the ministry.
- Egypt reserves the right to take measures under international law regarding the agreement.
Egypt's Foreign Ministry has stated that its rejection of a maritime border agreement between Libya and Turkey is based solely on its direct national interests, refuting claims that its stance is a gesture of goodwill towards Cyprus, Greece, and Israel. Spokesperson for the ministry, Ambassador Nader Zaki, emphasized in televised remarks on Saturday that Egypt maintains its rejection of the deal, which was recently approved by the Libyan parliament, deeming it legally void and without effect.
Zaki clarified that the Egyptian position on the agreement, initially considered void in 2019, remains unchanged in 2026, regardless of the seven years that have passed since its signing. He noted that Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Atty conveyed a clear message to Turkey regarding the agreement during recent meetings aimed at de-escalating regional tensions.
The ministry asserted Egypt's right to take necessary measures under international law, stating that agreements disregarding Egypt's rights or lacking the understanding of concerned parties will face Cairo's objection. Zaki added that Egypt's actions are driven by the protection of its national interests, and its consultations with Mediterranean partners are part of strategic relations and joint coordination, not a favor to specific nations.
Zaki further explained that the Libyan parliament's approval impacts Egypt's exclusive economic zone in the Mediterranean. He stressed that adhering to international law is the path to ensuring respect for all nations' rights and questioned the utility of agreements made without considering the rights of other parties.
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