This 1971 bilateral treaty established the maritime boundary between Italy and Tunisia in the Strait of Sicily, delimiting continental shelf rights between the two nations.
Key Facts
- Date signed
- 20 August 1971
- Entry into force
- 6 December 1978
- Supplemental minutes added
- 23 January 1975
- Coordinate points defined
- 32 individual coordinate points
- Island territorial sea arcs
- 13-nautical-mile arcs around Pantelleria and Pelagian Islands
- Western boundary terminus
- Maritime tripoint with Algeria
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
Italy and Tunisia shared overlapping interests in the continental shelf of the Strait of Sicily, particularly around Italian islands such as Pantelleria and the Pelagian Islands that lie closer to Tunisia than to mainland Italy. The absence of a defined maritime boundary created ambiguity over resource rights and jurisdiction in the area.
On 20 August 1971, Italy and Tunisia signed an agreement in Tunis delimiting their shared continental shelf boundary. The treaty drew a complex equidistant line through the Strait of Sicily, with special 13-nautical-mile territorial sea arcs around Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Linosa, and Lampione. Supplemental minutes including a map and 32 coordinate points were added by mutual agreement on 23 January 1975.
After ratification by both states, the treaty entered into force on 6 December 1978, providing a legally binding maritime boundary. The agreement also established a tripoint with Algeria at its western end and stopped just short of the equidistant line with Malta, leaving adjacent boundary questions for separate resolution.
Political Outcome
Binding bilateral delimitation of the continental shelf boundary in the Strait of Sicily, entering into force 6 December 1978.