Türkiye responds to Greece's "Marine Spatial Planning" declaration
TÜRKİYE REACTS TO GREECE’S "MARINE SPATIAL PLANNING" DECLARATION
Türkiye has expressed strong opposition to Greece’s "Marine Spatial Planning" (MSP) declaration in the Aegean and Mediterranean, emphasizing that it has no legal bearing for Türkiye.
In a written statement, the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that certain areas outlined in Greece’s MSP, as required by EU regulations, infringe upon Türkiye’s maritime jurisdiction in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean. The statement further stressed that such unilateral actions in enclosed or semi-enclosed seas like the Aegean and Mediterranean should be avoided. International maritime law encourages cooperation between neighboring coastal states on environmental issues, and Türkiye reiterated its willingness to collaborate with Greece on the Aegean Sea.
The statement went on to assert that Greece’s unilateral claims and actions will have no legal consequences for Türkiye, now or in the future. Türkiye’s stance remains consistent, as the country emphasizes its commitment to resolving issues with Greece based on international law, fairness, and good neighborly relations, as outlined in the December 7, 2023, Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness.
Additionally, Türkiye highlighted that its own Marine Spatial Planning, aligned with international bodies such as UNESCO and the United Nations, is also being communicated to the relevant institutions.
