Developments in Mediterranean Diplomacy
August 2022
Inter-state relations in the Mediterranean are fluctuating between cooperation and tensions. While regional opportunities and spaces for dialogue emerge, differences and rivalries still fuel conflicts. “Developments in Mediterranean Diplomacy” presents a monthly overview of events in support of efforts to improve relations between countries in the Mediterranean, promote regional cooperation, increase inclusivity, resolve conflicts, and advance peace.
Cooperation
Israel - Turkey
The reconciliation process between Israel and Turkey has been finalized, and both countries declared that they will soon reinstall ambassadors and consul generals.
Turkey-Palestine
Turkey hosted Palestinian President Abbas to highlight that normalization with Israel is not at the Palestinians’ expense. Cooperation between the sides has been reportedly advanced.
Turkey-Egypt
Turkey’s President expressed support for better ties with Egypt and for an upgraded bilateral dialogue. In parallel, businesspeople from both countries met to improve economic ties.
Israel-Lebanon
Progress was made in the US-mediated indirect talks between Israel and Lebanon on their maritime border dispute, in parallel to mutual verbal threats between Hezbollah and Israel.
Cyprus-Israel
Cyprus decided to buy Israel’s Iron Dome rocket defense system, in a sign of deepening security cooperation between the two regional allies.
Turkey-Libya
Turkey hosted senior officials from Libya, indicating a modified Libya policy. Around the visit, high-level Turkish officials stressed the importance of Libya’s unity and territorial integrity.
France-Algeria
The French President visited Algeria to ease a diplomatic dispute linked to the colonial past, launch a renewed partnership” and seek energy cooperation.
Tensions
Israel-Palestine
A round of warfare took place in and around Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), without Hamas involvement, resulting in a truce mediated by Egypt.
Tunisia-Morocco
Tensions emerged between Morocco and Tunisia sparked by Tunisia’s hosting of the head of the Polisario Front. Both countries recalled their ambassadors for consultation.
Turkey-Greece
Escalating rhetoric from Turkey towards Greece, related to sovereignty disputes in the Aegean, drilling rights in the Mediterranean, and differences regarding possible arms sales.
Israel-Egypt
Egypt conveyed quiet criticism of Israel’s actions towards the Palestinians following the Gaza truce, leading to engagement between security officials to resolve tensions.
Other issues