Turkey advocates for dialogue in Libya as relations shift in a new direction
In a significant development, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed a desire for further rapprochement with Khalifa Haftar in Libya, as Turkey seeks to expand its influence in the region.
Erdogan's statement comes after a series of high-level meetings and visits between Turkish officials and Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA). Haftar's son and deputy, Saddam Haftar, has played a key role in expanding these diplomatic and military ties with Turkey.
Recently, Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalın visited Libya, marking a shift in Turkey's Libya policy. During his visit, a Turkish naval vessel docked in Benghazi, the eastern Libyan city that serves as the LNA's headquarters.
Erdogan has emphasized that Turkey has not severed ties with Haftar, despite Greece and Egypt reportedly lobbying against a maritime deal between Turkey and the U.N.-recognized government in Tripoli. The deal, if approved, would assert Turkey's rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and potentially infringe on the maritime zones of Greece and Egypt, according to these countries.
The maritime deal is seen by Ankara as a strategic win, as it seeks to assert Türkiye's rights in the region. Erdogan has stated that the deal's approval by the Benghazi administration would be a major gain for international law.
Turkey's multidimensional diplomatic efforts in Libya are a reflection of its regional vision and pursuit of peace, Erdogan said. He also stressed the importance of a constructive dialogue between western and eastern Libya, and the need for fair, transparent elections to move the political process forward.
Analysts suggest that Haftar's trip to Turkey could further stabilize relations and pave the way for broader economic and security cooperation between Ankara and eastern Libya. Saddam Haftar's attendance at Türkiye's IDEF defense fair last year and his meetings with senior officials are evidence of this growing relationship.
As a key actor in the region, Turkey is seeking the approval of the Tobruk-based parliament for the 2019 maritime delimitation deal with the U.N.-recognized government in Tripoli. The Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, may visit Benghazi in the coming months, depending on positive steps by the eastern Libyan administration, to explore further positive steps in this regard.
In conclusion, Turkey's diplomatic and military ties with Libya are evolving, with a focus on asserting its rights in the Eastern Mediterranean and fostering regional stability. As the political process in Libya continues to unfold, Turkey remains committed to safeguarding the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity of Libya.
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