Libya’s parliament speaker says maritime deal with Türkiye does not affect other countries’ interests
- Saleheen Abdul Nabi says agreement is ‘sovereign decision’ backed by Libyans, following parliament’s unanimous approval
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- Saleheen Abdul Nabi says agreement is ‘sovereign decision’ backed by Libyans, following parliament’s unanimous approval
By Muetaz Wannes and Sahin Demir
ISTANBUL (AA) - Libya’s House of Representatives Speaker Saleheen Abdul Nabi said Wednesday that the maritime memorandum of understanding with Türkiye does not affect the interests of other countries, describing it as a “sovereign decision” supported by Libyans.
His remarks came during a meeting with Italian Consul General Filippo Colombo and an accompanying delegation at the parliament’s headquarters in the eastern city of Benghazi, according to an official parliamentary statement.
Abdul Nabi stressed the importance of the maritime memorandum of understanding between Libya and Türkiye concerning the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas in the Mediterranean Sea, which parliament unanimously approved and ratified Tuesday.
He described the agreement as a “sovereign decision,” emphasizing Libya’s right to safeguard its national interests.
The agreement “does not affect the interests of other countries,” he said, stressing that Libyans are united in their support for it.
During the meeting, Colombo congratulated Abdul Nabi on his election as parliament speaker and wished him success in his new role.
Abdul Nabi was elected speaker on Oct. 6, succeeding Aguila Saleh, who had held the position for more than 12 years.
The two officials also discussed longstanding bilateral relations, shared economic interests and opportunities for cooperation, including the participation of Italian companies in Libya’s reconstruction.
They also explored ways to strengthen ties between the Libyan House of Representatives and the Italian parliament and expand parliamentary cooperation.
Colombo emphasized the special relationship between the two countries and their peoples, according to the parliamentary statement.
- Broad welcome in Libya
On Tuesday, Libya’s House of Representatives unanimously voted to approve the 2019 maritime memorandum of understanding signed between Libya’s Government of National Accord and Türkiye concerning maritime jurisdiction areas in the Mediterranean Sea.
Lawmakers also unanimously voted to repeal two parliamentary decisions adopted in 2020.
The first, Decision No. 1 of 2020, had rejected the ratification of two memorandums of understanding signed between the government and Türkiye. The second, Decision No. 6 of 2020, had called for severing political relations with Ankara.
The maritime agreement was signed on Nov. 27, 2019, by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and then-Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj and entered into force on Dec. 7 of the same year.
The parliament’s approval was welcomed by several Libyan political institutions and officials, including the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity, the parliament-appointed government in eastern Libya and the High Council of State.
Saddam Haftar, deputy commander of forces based in eastern Libya, also welcomed the move, along with Presidential Council Vice Chairman Moussa al-Koni and former High Council of State President Khaled al-Mishri.
Türkiye and Libya have maintained regular high-level diplomatic exchanges, while Ankara has repeatedly emphasized its support for Libya’s unity, political dialogue and stability.
Relations between the two countries are rooted in longstanding historical, cultural and humanitarian ties, with cooperation continuing across political, economic and security fields.
Şahin Demir