Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis confirmed Thursday that Greece and Egypt are actively exploring an extension ...

Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis confirmed Thursday that Greece and Egypt are actively exploring an extension of their maritime agreement toward Cyprus, a move that would directly counter Turkey's expanding claims in the eastern Mediterranean. The talks follow a significant development earlier this week. Eastern Libya's parliament ratified the 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum, which Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus have all opposed, arguing it violates their maritime rights under international law. Greece and Egypt first signed a partial EEZ delimitation agreement in August 2020, establishing a cooperative framework for maritime rights and offshore energy. The proposed extension would build on that deal, potentially creating a more unified front between Athens, Cairo, and Nicosia against Ankara's regional ambitions. Gerapetritis and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty reaffirmed their joint opposition to the Libya ratification and pledged full compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, known as UNCLOS. Greece has long argued that the Turkey-Libya deal cannot legally override the maritime rights of third states, particularly those stemming from Greek islands in the region. An extended agreement toward Cyprus would deepen coordination between three key eastern Mediterranean players at a moment when energy exploration, offshore resources, and strategic influence are all increasingly contested. Any finalized deal would still require detailed negotiations over precise boundaries and the specific rights involved. The ratification by eastern Libya has clearly accelerated Athens' push to solidify its legal and diplomatic footing before Ankara can press further claims in the region. #Greece #EasternMediterranean #Cyprus