Libya Approves Maritime Deal with Turkey

Libya’s House of Representatives has unanimously approved a maritime deal with Türkiye, changing its position on the agreement signed in 2019. The vote took place in Benghazi on 20 October 2026. Lawmakers also cancelled two decisions from 2020. One rejected the agreement, while the other called for political ties with Türkiye to end. The Libyan News Agency reported the parliamentary decision, confirming the unanimous vote. The agreement concerns maritime jurisdiction in the Mediterranean Sea. This decision brings the deal back into Libya’s official policy after years of opposition from the eastern-based parliament. It also creates a new opening for discussions on maritime rights and cooperation between Libya and Türkiye.

The Libya-Turkey maritime deal sets out areas linked to the continental shelf and exclusive economic zones. These areas matter because they can affect access to marine resources and economic activity at sea. The agreement uses geographical coordinates to define the relevant maritime areas. It also provides ways to address disputes and allows both countries to explore joint use of certain natural resources. In a report on the decision, Al-Anbaa Libya covered the official response to the agreement. Supporters view the deal as a way to protect Libya’s maritime interests and strengthen economic ties with Türkiye. However, approval alone will not guarantee new investments or income. Those benefits would depend on further negotiations, practical implementation and future cooperation between the two countries.

The Benghazi-based government has welcomed the parliamentary decision and linked it to wider economic cooperation. The Libyan News Agency reported its response, including plans to pursue economic agreements and expand cooperation in investment, trade and development. This position places maritime diplomacy within Libya’s wider efforts to protect its interests and build international partnerships. The next step will be to see how Libya and Türkiye put the agreement into practice. Further talks could help clarify areas for cooperation, including the use of maritime resources. Still, the real impact will depend on the actions both sides take after the vote. For now, the decision marks a clear reversal of the eastern-based parliament’s earlier position. It also puts the Libya-Turkey maritime deal back at the centre of discussions about Libya’s maritime rights and economic future.