The Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a firm response to Greece’s recent declaration of a “Maritime Spatial Plan” (MSP), accusing Athens of infringing upon Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction in both the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.

In a press release issued on Tuesday, the ministry stated that “certain areas designated in Greece’s recently declared ‘Maritime Spatial Plan’, under the framework of European Union legislation, are in violation of Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction.” It emphasized that these unilateral actions “carry no legal validity or consequence” for Türkiye.

The statement reiterated Ankara’s stance that unilateral moves in semi-enclosed or enclosed seas, such as the Aegean and the Mediterranean, should be avoided. “International maritime law promotes collaboration among coastal states, particularly in environmental matters,” the ministry said, adding that Türkiye remains willing to engage in cooperative efforts with Greece in the Aegean.

The ministry also rejected what it described as Greece’s “fait accompli attempts,” stressing that such actions have had, and will continue to have, no legal bearing on Türkiye.

Reaffirming its commitment to dialogue, the statement said Türkiye supports “a sincere and comprehensive approach” to resolving maritime disputes, based on international law, equity, and good neighborly relations. The ministry cited the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness, signed on 7 December 2023, as a framework both sides should adhere to.

As a countermeasure, Türkiye announced its intention to submit its own Maritime Spatial Plan to UNESCO and the relevant bodies of the United Nations.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions between the two NATO neighbors over maritime boundaries, energy exploration rights, and sovereignty issues in the Eastern Mediterranean. (ILKHA)