Egypt sending message with plot prospecting

Egypt's announcement that 12 plots will be available for hydrocarbon exploration is seen as a message of stability and the will for constructive relations with all players in the Eastern Mediterranean. Of these, 10 are in the Mediterranean and the first four have been demarcated in a way that also reflects some long-term trends in Egyptian foreign policy.

The message is also addressed to Ankara, as Plot 1 (El Fuka) is adjacent to the southern side of the boundary of the August 2020 Greek-Egyptian partial exclusive economic zone agreement.

Ankara considers the Greek side of the area to be within the Turkish continental shelf.

Similarly, two plots northeast of Egypt (plots 3 in the Simian gas field and 4 in western Zohr) follow the agreements signed by Cairo with Nicosia.

However, the most interesting aspect is the declaration of Plot 2 (Burg El Arab),...