Egypt and Greece sign agreement on exclusive economic zone in eastern Mediterranean
Egypt and Greece signed an agreement on Thursday designating an exclusive economic zone in the eastern Mediterranean between the two countries, an area containing promising oil and gas reserves, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said.
Shoukry made the announcement at a joint press conference with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias in Cairo.
“This agreement allows both countries to move forward in maximizing the utilization of the resources available in the exclusive economic zone, especially promising oil and gas reserves,” Shoukry said.
Read more: Egypt rejects Turkey’s intervention in affairs of Arab states: FM spokesman
“The agreement with Egypt is within the framework of international law, respects all concepts of international law and the law of the sea and good neighborly relations, and contributes to security and stability in the region,” Dendias said.
Egypt and Greece are at odds with Turkey, which last year angered the two countries by signing a maritime delimitation agreement with the internationally recognized Libyan government, in a move that escalated disputes over potential offshore gas reserves in the eastern Mediterranean.
Egypt and Greece condemned the deal as “illegal” and a violation of international law.
For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app
Tensions were already high between Greece and Turkey becauseof Turkish gas exploration in the eastern Mediterranean off the
coast of Cyprus. The NATO members are also at odds over mineral rights in the Aegean Sea.
Earlier this month, Egypt said that part of a seismic survey planned by Turkey in the eastern Mediterranean potentially encroached on waters where Cairo claims exclusive rights.
In June, Greece and Italy signed an agreement on maritime boundaries, establishing an exclusive economic zone between the two countries and resolving longstanding issues over fishing rights in the Ionian Sea.
-
Greece on alert in spite of fewer migrant arrivals from Turkey due to coronavirus
Greece has seen fewer migrants and refugees arriving from Turkey, numbering in the hundreds in the last four months, mainly due to increased border ... Coronavirus -
Turkey to suspend oil probe research in disputed waters with Greece
Turkey will suspend research for oil and gas exploration in disputed waters in the Eastern Mediterranean that abruptly raised military tensions with ... World News -
Hagia Sophia prayers: Turkey, Greece exchange harsh words as tensions rise
Turkey and Greece exchanged harsh words on Saturday over the conversion of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia into a mosque, a day after Islamic prayers were ... World News -
In response to Turkish activities, Greece navy on ‘heightened readiness’
Greece’s navy has deployed ships in the Aegean Sea in “heightened readiness” over Turkish energy exploration activities, a navy source said ... Middle East -
EU council agrees to draft proposal for Turkey sanctions: Greece FM
The EU Foreign Affairs Council will draft a proposal on Greece’s request that would allow for sanctions to be placed on Turkey if Ankara commits ... World News