Libya Signs Agreement with Turkey for Seismic Surveys in Four Maritime Areas

Tripoli Moves to Implement Controversial Turkey-Libya Memorandum – Specific Areas Covered Remain Undisclosed

Newsroom
June 25, 2025, 05:24

Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s state-owned oil company, TPAO, to conduct geological and geophysical studies in four offshore areas.

This step signals Tripoli’s intent to activate the controversial Turkey-Libya memorandum, which was highlighted by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during the NATO leaders’ summit.

The NOC announced that discussions included plans for a two-dimensional seismic survey covering 10,000 kilometers, with data processing to be completed within nine months.

Mitsotakis-Erdogan Brief Meeting in The Hague

During a 10-minute one-on-one meeting in The Hague, Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s independent stance, stating, “We are not defined by others,” in reference to U.S. President Trump’s meeting with Turkish President Erdogan.

The agreement was signed in Istanbul by NOC Chairman Eng. Masoud Suleman and TPAO General Director Ahmet Turkoglu.

The specific maritime areas covered by the Turkey-Libya agreement remain undisclosed. Previously, Libya had outlined six “blocks,” two of which adhered to the median line defined by Greece under Law 4001/2011.

The signing follows recent tensions triggered by Libya, including diplomatic protests from Tripoli and Benghazi, regarding the European Union’s publication of a tender announcement for exploration blocks south of Crete, which have attracted interest from U.S. energy giant Chevron.