Turkey’s Latest Grab: EEZ Agreement with Syria Sparks Fears of Regional Conflict

Greece and Cyprus are on high alert following reports in Turkish media that Ankara is negotiating a maritime boundary delimitation agreement with the Syrian government. This raises serious concerns about regional stability, echoing Turkey’s previous attempts to claim large swathes of the Eastern Mediterranean, disregarding the rights of Greece and Cyprus.

Turkish media reports suggest the agreement is part of a larger plan including maritime demarcation and Syrian infrastructure reconstruction. Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkandir Uraloglu reportedly stated the deal would encompass defining maritime zones and rebuilding Syrian airports, railways, roads, and telecommunications. Turkey appears to be leveraging the changing political landscape in Syria, similar to its approach with Libya, to secure advantageous agreements.

Retired Admiral Jihad Yajji and other Turkish analysts have publicly advocated for an EEZ agreement with Syria, arguing it would benefit both Turkey and Syria while undermining Greek Cypriot claims. Maps circulated in Turkish media illustrate Ankara’s proposed EEZ delineation, incorporating the disputed areas claimed in the Turkish-Cypriot memorandum. A Turkish delegation from the Ministry of Energy has reportedly been sent to Syria to discuss energy cooperation, including electricity transfer

These developments have sparked strong reactions from Greece and Cyprus. Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letibiotis emphasized that any challenge to the Republic of Cyprus’s sovereign rights violates international law. President Nicos Christodoulides is working closely with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and EU leaders have been informed. Greek diplomatic sources stated that Syria’s transitional state does not legitimize EEZ agreements and that Greece is actively engaging with regional partners and the EU to prevent unilateral actions. Greek political figures have condemned the potential agreement as a blatant violation of international law.

Both Athens and Nicosia are wary of a repeat of the 2019 maritime boundary dispute and are taking preventative measures. Prime Minister Mitsotakis has emphasized the invalidity of the Turkish-Cypriot memorandum and stated that both he and President Christodoulides have briefed their international counterparts. Nicosia is reportedly engaging with forces connected to both HTS and the new Damascus authority. It’s recognized that Syria’s transition period will be lengthy before a stable, UN-recognized government with the authority to enter into such agreements is established.