The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that some of the areas specified in Greece’s declared “Maritime Spatial Planning” violate Turkey’s maritime jurisdictions in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made a statement regarding the “Maritime Spatial Planning” (MSP) declared by Greece in accordance with EU legislation.

The ministry pointed out that some of the specified areas in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean violate Turkey’s maritime jurisdictions, stating, “We once again emphasize that Greece’s unilateral actions and claims will have no legal consequences for our country.” The statement highlighted the necessity to avoid unilateral actions in closed or semi-closed seas like the Aegean and Mediterranean, promote cooperation between neighboring states on environmental issues according to international maritime law, and reminded that Turkey is always ready to cooperate with Greece in the Aegean Sea.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, “Such actions and attempts will not have any legal consequences for our country today, as they did not yesterday or will not tomorrow.” The Ministry emphasized the need for a sincere and comprehensive approach to solving issues based on international law, fairness, and good neighborly relations within the framework of the Athens Declaration on Friendly Relations and Good Neighborliness dated December 7, 2023, reflecting the spirit desired by both sides in Turkey’s relations with Greece. Turkey is committed to maintaining its stance that a solution to issues should be based on international law, fairness, and good neighborly relations. Turkey’s Maritime Spatial Planning is also being communicated to relevant units of UNESCO and the United Nations.