Türkiye’s Consent Crucial in the Eastern Mediterranean

TCE Introduction

The recent article published by Ekathimerini, titled "No projects in East Mediterranean without Turkish consent," outlines a critical diplomatic and geopolitical reality emerging from the Eastern Mediterranean region. The article notably quotes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, asserting:

Türkiye is a country that cannot be ignored in any project to be realized in the Eastern Mediterranean Hakan Fidan - Foreign Minister of Türkiye

Though the source is generally perceived as pro-Greek, its central premise inadvertently acknowledges a fundamental and unavoidable geopolitical truth: Türkiye’s pivotal role in regional stability and economic collaboration. This article seeks to expand and reinforce this reality with contemporary evidence and informed commentary, underscoring why Turkish consent is not merely diplomatic formality but an essential prerequisite for peace, stability, and equitable resource management in the region.

Türkiye’s Central Role: A Geopolitical Reality

This statement is not merely a diplomatic position but a reflection of the geopolitical and logistical realities of regional operations. Türkiye controls some of the region's most critical maritime routes, has an expansive continental shelf, and maintains substantial naval power, effectively making cooperation indispensable.

Refuting Misleading Narratives

Despite the inherent clarity in this reality, some Greek Cypriot narratives persistently portray Türkiye’s involvement negatively, often alleging obstructionism. Such claims, however, fail to acknowledge the proactive, constructive roles Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) have consistently sought in regional initiatives.

The narrative advanced by certain Greek Cypriot media, including aspects of the cited Ekathimerini article, tends to diminish Türkiye’s legitimate rights and involvement by labeling its actions as provocative or coercive. However, this portrayal ignores Türkiye’s legitimate maritime claims, its rights under international law, and ongoing diplomatic efforts to ensure equitable and peaceful regional cooperation.

Contemporary Evidence and Legal Precedents

Contemporary legal frameworks and expert analyses reinforce Türkiye’s legitimate claims. According to international maritime law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), maritime boundary agreements require mutual recognition and negotiation. While Türkiye has not ratified UNCLOS due to specific reservations, its maritime boundaries remain consistent with international customary laws and have been negotiated directly through bilateral agreements, notably with Libya.

Additionally, recent regional projects, such as the proposed EastMed pipeline, which initially excluded Türkiye, faced significant economic, environmental, and geopolitical challenges, leading many analysts—including experts from the European Union—to question their viability without Turkish cooperation.

Turkish Cypriots: A Vital Voice Ignored

An equally critical, yet often overlooked, element of regional stability involves the Turkish Cypriots. Subjected to ongoing embargoes and systematic international isolation, the Turkish Cypriots continue to advocate for recognition and inclusion in regional economic projects.

Ignoring Turkish Cypriot participation is not merely unjust but strategically unwise. The TRNC’s location and its potential to serve as a cooperative hub for regional initiatives offer significant opportunities for equitable development and enduring peace. Its position, just south of Türkiye and centrally located in the Eastern Mediterranean, provides unmatched access to key maritime corridors and logistical networks. Furthermore, the TRNC holds valuable offshore resources, which are being unfairly denied to its population under the current status quo. Excluding Turkish Cypriots from energy and infrastructure projects only exacerbates division and prolongs instability on the island.

Engaging the TRNC in dialogue and participation would not only affirm their agency but also enhance the legitimacy and sustainability of any regional cooperation framework. Türkiye, as a guarantor nation and primary ally of the TRNC, consistently advocates for this fair inclusion, underscoring the principle of sovereign equality and shared prosperity. Ankara’s position is rooted not only in historical responsibility but also in a commitment to ensuring that Turkish Cypriots are not rendered voiceless in decisions impacting their territorial waters and resources. The insistence on unilateralism by the Greek Cypriot administration is a direct barrier to reconciliation and peace. Instead, embracing a model of cooperation that includes the TRNC can serve as a blueprint for de-escalation and long-term harmony. The international community must re-evaluate its passive endorsement of Greek Cypriot exclusionism and adopt a more inclusive, fair, and pragmatic stance.

Türkiye’s Diplomatic Outreach

Contrary to some portrayals, Türkiye continues to demonstrate willingness for diplomatic dialogue. Minister Fidan highlighted the importance of inclusive negotiations, underscoring Türkiye’s openness to fair and constructive engagement:

"We are ready for dialogue that respects mutual rights and legitimate interests." Hakan Fidan, Türkiye Foreign Minister

This approach aligns with broader regional and international diplomatic efforts advocating for peaceful negotiations and cooperation rather than unilateral, exclusionary actions.

Türkiye continues to extend diplomatic channels in good faith. Its proposals often emphasize inclusive frameworks that aim for long-term regional peace.

This spirit of dialogue is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s foreign policy showing legitimacy in her ability to be a regional poewr.

Toward Equitable Cooperation: A Way Forward

Moving forward, Türkiye’s pivotal role in the Eastern Mediterranean must be unequivocally acknowledged by all regional actors, including Greece and the Greek Cypriot administration. Future projects in the region, whether energy, trade, or security-related, require inclusive frameworks that respect Türkiye’s rights and interests. Such frameworks promise not only economic success but also enduring peace and stability.

The practical reality highlighted by Foreign Minister Fidan, therefore, must serve as a foundational principle for future diplomatic and economic initiatives in the Eastern Mediterranean:

Any initiative without Türkiye's involvement is destined for challenges. Hakan Fidan, Türkiye Foreign Minister

TCE Conclusion: Acknowledging Realities, Ensuring Stability

Ultimately, recognizing Türkiye’s consent as indispensable for Eastern Mediterranean projects is neither an act of concession nor weakness; it is an acknowledgment of geopolitical reality, legal frameworks, and practical necessity. Türkiye’s involvement is crucial for ensuring balanced, sustainable, and peaceful cooperation, benefiting all regional stakeholders.

International observers and regional actors must move beyond outdated narratives that exclude or marginalize Türkiye and Turkish Cypriots, embracing instead a more inclusive and realistic approach that fosters genuine regional stability and prosperity.