Egypt has reportedly called on the United States to intervene and prevent the eastern parliament of Libya from ratifying a controversial maritime agreement with Turkey, according to several regional officials speaking to Middle East Eye. An Egyptian official stated on Wednesday that Cairo is concerned that if the eastern Libyan parliament approves the Turkish-Libyan memorandum — originally signed by Libya’s western government in 2019 — it could escalate tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, especially as Egypt grapples with regional fallout from conflicts in Gaza and Sudan.
Other sources revealed that Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty raised the issue during a phone call last month with Massard Boulos, the top U.S. adviser for Africa. The American envoy in the region is expected to reach out to Khalifa Haftar to discuss the matter.
Several Libyan media outlets have reported that the eastern parliament may soon ratify the memorandum, which defines exclusive economic zones (EEZ) for both countries, effectively ignoring Greece’s rights in the area. Initially opposed to the deal, Haftar appears closer to approving it despite continued pressure from Athens and Cairo.
Sources told MEE that growing contacts between Haftar’s son, Saddam Haftar, and Turkish officials have caused concern in Egypt. Saddam Haftar has visited Turkey at least three times in recent months and held multiple meetings with Turkish military officials.
Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is set to visit Benghazi and Tripoli this week. Recently, Libya’s National Oil Corporation based in Tripoli signed an agreement with Turkey’s state-run oil company (TPAO) to conduct offshore oil exploration in four sea blocks — a move that an Egyptian official claims may infringe on Egypt’s EEZ.