Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) has requested permission from the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord (GNA) to start oil exploration in the eastern Mediterranean, Reuters reports.
Exploration will begin as soon as the process is completed. Turkish Energy Minister Fatih Donmez was quoted as saying.
According to Reuters, the move could further stoke tensions in the region, where Turkey has been at odds for years with Greece and Cyprus, as well as with other regional powers over ownership of natural resources.
GNA signed an agreement with Turkey in November 2019 that seeks to create an exclusive economic zone from Turkey’s southern Mediterranean coast to Libya’s northeast coast.
Greece, Cyprus and others have opposed the accord and call it illegal, an accusation Turkey has rejected. The EU also opposes the maritime deal.