Turkey secures a strategic win over Greece as eastern Libya backs the maritime deal

Key Points:

• Libya’s eastern parliament approved a maritime delimitation agreement with Turkey, marking a significant victory for Turkish claims in the Eastern Mediterranean and signaling improved ties between Turkey and eastern Libya's administration.
• The deal, originally signed in 2019 with Libya’s Tripoli-based government, had awaited approval due to Libya's divided administrations, but recent rapprochement between Ankara and eastern Libya's de facto ruler Khalifa Haftar facilitated its ratification.
• Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin's visit to Tripoli coincided with the parliament's decision, highlighting Ankara's strategic engagement and efforts to finalize the agreement despite Greek opposition and regional tensions.
• The maritime deal is part of Turkey’s broader “One Libya” policy, aiming to unify Libya’s rival factions, with potential political restructuring involving Haftar or his family in leadership roles, supported by regional and international actors.
• Analysts view the agreement as a watershed moment in Libyan politics, potentially reducing regional conflicts and altering strategic balances, though it has caused displeasure among Greece, Cyprus, Israel, and the UAE, who have benefited from Libya’s previous divisions.