Kathimerini Greece Newsroom
Turkey’s efforts to strengthen relations with Egypt are facing significant obstacles, with disagreements over maritime boundaries and competing interests in Libya limiting progress between the two countries.
Ankara has offered Cairo an additional 15,000 square kilometres of exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the Eastern Mediterranean in an attempt to secure Egyptian backing for its maritime ambitions. However, the proposal has failed to convince Egypt, particularly because part of the territory concerned already falls within the maritime zone recognised under Egypt’s 2020 agreement with Greece.
The arrangement, which established a partial maritime boundary between Athens and Cairo, remains an important consideration for Egypt. Discussions between Greece and Egypt about extending their existing agreement could make Turkey’s proposal even less attractive.
For Ankara, securing Egyptian cooperation would carry considerable political weight. It could strengthen Turkey’s position in support of its controversial maritime memorandum with Libya, an agreement that has long been disputed by Greece and other countries in the region.
Libya remains a major obstacle
The disagreements extend beyond maritime issues. Egypt, Algeria and Tunisia recently issued a joint declaration demanding the withdrawal of all foreign military forces from Libya, arguing that their departure is necessary for nationwide elections to take place.
Although the statement did not identify individual countries, Turkey is a central party to the dispute. Ankara is estimated to have between 3,000 and 5,000 military personnel stationed in Libya, where it has maintained a significant military presence in support of the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity.
Concerns in Cairo have also been fuelled by the development of military infrastructure in eastern Libya. Satellite images published by Italy's Agenzia Nova, dated October 24, showed a newly constructed runway measuring approximately 3.6 kilometres, accompanied by aircraft parking facilities, near Jaghbub.
The airstrip, reportedly constructed by a consortium of three Turkish companies, is located around 23 kilometres from the Egyptian border. Its proximity to Egypt has reportedly prompted security concerns in Cairo, particularly over the potential implications of the facility during a regional emergency.
Egypt has traditionally backed military commander Khalifa Haftar and his forces in eastern Libya, which have opposed the Tripoli-based authorities. Cairo's position has partly been shaped by its longstanding opposition to Islamist groups, including the Muslim Brotherhood, which it considers a security threat.
Relations improve, but mistrust remains
Relations between Turkey and Egypt began improving in 2023 after years of hostility. One of the important conditions for repairing diplomatic ties was Ankara's change in approach towards the Muslim Brotherhood.
Turkey took practical steps to address Egyptian demands, including the expulsion and handover of individuals associated with the organisation.
Ankara has since sought to expand cooperation with Cairo, including access to Egypt's defence industry and support for its regional diplomatic initiatives. Improved relations could offer Turkey important economic, military and strategic advantages.
However, the latest disagreements demonstrate how difficult it will be to translate diplomatic progress into lasting cooperation. Egypt's existing commitments to Greece, its security calculations along the Libyan border and its objections to Turkey's military presence in Libya all remain significant obstacles.
