Greek PM Denounces Turkey-Libya Maritime Agreement as Illegal, Urges Global Naval Truce

By Antoni Slodkowski

United Nations, October 29 (Reuters) – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated on Thursday that the recent maritime boundary agreement between Libya’s eastern parliament and Turkey was “blatantly illegal, null and void,” asserting that it fails to acknowledge the geographical realities of the region.

During an interview with Reuters, as Greece concludes its presidency of the United Nations Security Council, Mitsotakis emphasized the urgency of establishing an international truce to secure maritime passage in the Black Sea, particularly following the sinking of a Greek-owned container ship earlier in the week.

Libya’s eastern government ratified the maritime accord with Turkey last week, prompting condemnation from Athens, Cairo, Manama, and Abu Dhabi, who view the deal as a threat to regional stability and global legal norms.

“This agreement ignores both geography and the fundamental truth that numerous Greek islands lie within this maritime zone,” Mitsotakis remarked. “Turkey and Libya appear to be working toward a fait accompli that bypasses the principles set forth in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of Turkey has dismissed criticism from the EU and other international actors regarding the 2019 agreement, defending Ankara’s policy in the Eastern Mediterranean as legally sound.

Since the original signing of the pact in 2019, Greece has granted exploration rights to a consortium led by Chevron to search for hydrocarbons off Crete, while also pursuing bilateral talks with Libya to define their own maritime boundaries.

Mitsotakis assured that ongoing energy exploration activities face no threats, noting, “There is no danger that these operations will come under challenge.”

Referring to Libya and Greece as “natural partners,” Mitsotakis urged Tripoli to engage directly with Athens in defining maritime limits, stressing the importance of taking such negotiations seriously.

Addressing growing concerns over attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea, Mitsotakis called on the global community to adopt measures ensuring safe navigation. The recent torpedoing of a Greek container ship off the coast of Bulgaria underscores the escalating risks faced by merchant mariners operating in contested waters.

Greece maintains one of the largest merchant fleets globally, making the安全 passage of goods across the Black Sea essential for trade involving Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, and Turkey—as well as Russia and Ukraine, where Moscow launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

“We must pursue an international truce aimed at guaranteeing unrestricted navigation,” Mitsotakis said. “Allowing Ukrainian grain exports to reach world markets is not just important—it is a matter of survival for millions.”

He further noted that Greek shipowners stand ready to resume Black Sea routes once security assurances are in place, despite soaring insurance premiums and charter costs driven by rampant insecurity.

Responsibility for the latest attack remains unclear, contributing to mounting fears about how Russia’s war in Ukraine continues to imperil commercial shipping lanes.

Mitsotakis expressed concern over Ukraine’s dependence on agricultural exports, saying, “They’ve harvested a record crop, yet the grain sits idle in storage silos, vulnerable to spoilage.”

He criticized Moscow’s lack of engagement, adding, “Regrettably, Russia shows little interest in holding meaningful dialogue at present.”

In addition to calling for action in the Black Sea, Mitsotakis advocated for strengthening Europe’s naval mission—Operation Aspides—in the Red Sea, which began in 2024 to counter threats posed by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

Rising tensions between the Houthis and Saudi Arabia have disrupted energy supplies and increased fears of broader conflict erupting in the region, eight months after U.S.-backed Israeli strikes targeted Iranian positions.

“Europe has a vested interest in maintaining a strong naval footprint here,” Mitsotakis told reporters. “More countries should consider joining Operation Aspides.”

Greece, Italy, and France currently contribute naval assets to the mission, though officials confirm this force remains inadequate.

The Houthis recently claimed responsibility for striking Saudi military aircraft and repelling advances near the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a key conduit for maritime traffic connecting the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal.

“By enhancing our presence in the Red Sea, we demonstrate solidarity with Gulf allies while safeguarding vital supply chains crucial to European commerce,” Mitsotakis said.

When asked about former U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to ease sanctions on Russian oil exports, Mitsotakis reaffirmed Greece’s unwavering support for punitive measures against Moscow.

“Economic sanctions remain a powerful tool to hold Russia accountable,” he said. “Imposing tangible financial costs sends a clear message: any prolongation of this war will exact a heavy toll.”

(Reporting by Antoni Slodkowski; Editing by Andrea Ricci)

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