Turkey is set to expand its energy exploration efforts by conducting offshore explorations in Libyan waters, according to a statement by Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar. In an interview with Sabah newspaper, Bayraktar revealed that Ankara and Tripoli are on the verge of finalizing an agreement that will facilitate these explorations. This move underscores Turkey’s strategic focus on enhancing its energy portfolio, particularly in the Mediterranean region.
Bayraktar emphasized that while Turkey is actively investing in Mediterranean exploration, it is also prioritizing investments in the Black Sea. This dual focus reflects Turkey’s broader energy strategy, which aims to diversify its sources and secure its energy needs through both regional and offshore exploration initiatives.
The planned explorations come in the wake of the 2019 agreements signed between Turkey and Libya’s UN-recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). These agreements, which include provisions for military cooperation and maritime boundary demarcation, have been contentious. Greece and Cyprus have voiced strong objections, claiming that the maritime boundary delineated by the agreements infringes on their own maritime zones.
The agreements between Turkey and the GNA have been a source of diplomatic friction in the Mediterranean. Greece and Cyprus argue that the delineation of maritime boundaries disregards their own rights to offshore resources, raising concerns about potential geopolitical tensions in the region.
Turkey’s planned offshore explorations are set against this backdrop of regional disputes and diplomatic negotiations. The exploration activities are expected to impact the broader geopolitical landscape, potentially influencing Turkey’s relationships with neighboring countries and its position within the Mediterranean energy market.