Turkish Foreign Minister: We Will Continue to Support Dialogue Between Eastern and Western Libya

Istanbul, August 12 (KUNA) -- Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed on Wednesday that his country will continue to support efforts to enhance dialogue and cooperation between eastern and western Libya, and to contribute to the establishment of peace, stability, and prosperity in the country.

In a post on the Turkish social media platform X (formerly Twitter) regarding his visit to Libya, Fidan expressed his gratitude to all Libyan authorities for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and the accompanying delegation. He noted that he held comprehensive and highly fruitful discussions in the capital, Tripoli, and the city of Benghazi, clarifying that the visit was a tangible embodiment of Turkey’s policy based on the principle of “one Libya,” without distinction between its west, east, or south.

Fidan added, “Turkey does not separate the security and stability of Libya from our own. It is essential that our Libyan brothers be able to build their future freely, securely, and prosperously.”

He reported that during the visit, he met with Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, discussing bilateral relations, the political process in Libya, regional developments, and security issues in depth. He also met with Chairman of the Presidential Council Mohamed al-Menfi and Chairman of the Higher State Council Mohamed al-Takali.

He pointed out that he held meetings with Ibrahim Dbeibeh’s National Security Advisor, Acting Minister of Defense Abdul Salam al-Zoubi, Interior Minister Imad al-Abdali, Acting Chief of General Staff Salah al-Din al-Namrosh, and Military Intelligence Chief at the Ministry of Defense Mahmoud Hamza. These meetings focused on cooperation between the two countries and the latest developments.

As part of his visit to Benghazi, Fidan met with Commander of the Libyan National Army in eastern Libya Khalifa Haftar, his deputy Saddam Haftar, Speaker of the House of Representatives Aguila Saleh, and Chairman of the Libyan Development and Reconstruction Fund Balqasim Haftar. Extensive consultations were held during these meetings regarding Libya’s political and security agenda, as well as ways to develop bilateral cooperation.

Fidan affirmed that Turkey considers bilateral cooperation with Libya in the fields of security and defense as a strategic element that yields tangible benefits for the country’s stability and regional security.

Fidan also noted that, in this context, he visited the headquarters of the Turkish Armed Forces Task Force in Libya in Tripoli. (End) T.A. / R.J.