The Turkish Ministry of Defense confirmed on Thursday that unilateral assessments issued by third parties cannot invalidate the legal validity of the memorandum of understanding signed between Turkey and Libya regarding the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas. Sources in the ministry, in response to journalists' questions during the weekly press briefing, stated that the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas falls within the sovereign rights of the relevant coastal states.
This came in response to statements by representatives of the European Union and Greece regarding the memorandum of understanding on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas between Turkey and Libya. The sources said that "the memorandum of understanding concerning the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas, signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019, was concluded on the basis of international law and principles of equity, taking into account the legitimate rights and interests of the two countries."
It emphasized that "the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas falls within the sovereign rights of the relevant coastal states, and the legal validity of the aforementioned memorandum of understanding cannot be invalidated through unilateral assessments by third parties." It stressed that Turkey will continue to protect its legitimate rights and interests in the eastern Mediterranean within the framework of international law, and contribute to enhancing regional peace, security, and stability.
The ministry welcomed the ratification by the Libyan House of Representatives of the memorandum of understanding concerning the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas, signed between Turkey and Libya in 2019 and currently in force. It clarified that the decision confirms the validity of the memorandum signed on the basis of international law and principles of justice, and strengthens strategic cooperation between the two countries.
On Tuesday, the Libyan House of Representatives unanimously voted to adopt the memorandum of understanding signed in 2019 between the Government of National Accord and the Turkish government regarding the determination of maritime jurisdiction areas in the Mediterranean Sea.
Defense partnerships
In a separate context, Turkish defense sources confirmed that Turkey's geostrategic and geopolitical importance is increasing daily, and that it continues to contribute to enhancing peace, security, and stability at both the regional and international levels. They pointed out that the ratification by the Libyan House of Representatives of the memorandum on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas, along with the "Mecca Defense Alliance" and the "Badr Memorandum of Understanding," constitute tangible indicators of Turkey's effectiveness on the international stage and its strategic partnerships.
They added that the Turkish Armed Forces continue to provide support to develop the defensive and security capabilities of friendly and allied countries. They explained that the "Badr Memorandum of Understanding," signed on Wednesday in Doha between Turkey, Qatar, Indonesia, and Pakistan, represents a tangible indicator of the close friendship between these countries and their willingness to work together.
They noted that the memorandum aims to establish long-term and sustainable strategic partnerships among the four countries, through implementing joint projects in the field of defense industries, increasing research and development activities, enhancing infrastructure and supply chains, and developing joint production capabilities. They added that the memorandum will contribute to enhancing peace, security, and stability at both the regional and international levels.
Source: Anadolu Agency
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