Turkish President Erdogan advocates for a truce in Gaza during discussions with Italian and Libyan leadership
During a significant trilateral summit in Istanbul, the leaders of Turkey, Italy, and Libya came together to discuss key issues of regional cooperation, migration, and the establishment of a Palestinian state [1][2][3].
The summit was marked by Turkish President Erdoğan's urgent call for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and his renewed support for a sovereign, independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. This, he emphasised, is the only viable long-term solution to the ongoing conflict [1][2].
On the matter of migration, the leaders recognised the importance of addressing the root causes and implementing sustainable solutions. Libya, being a crucial player in managing migration flows, was highlighted for its significant role in this regard [4][5]. Italy reaffirmed its commitment to Libya’s stability, unity, and independence, and expressed support for Libya’s political process. Cooperation between Turkey and Italy in managing irregular migration was also emphasised [4][5].
The summit also addressed the development of ports, electricity networks, and joint strategic projects in Libya, as well as potential energy, oil, and gas, and infrastructure partnerships for investment. The Libyan premier, Dbeibah, called for increased regional coordination to combat smuggling networks and illegal activities [6][7]. He also proposed a quadripartite ministerial meeting consisting of Libya, Turkey, Italy, and Qatar to initiate joint projects addressing these issues [8].
The statement issued by Libya's Government of National Unity after the summit focused on regional cooperation, stability, and economic integration in the Mediterranean. It emphasised the importance of supporting joint strategic projects in Libya's connection to regional projects in the Mediterranean [9].
Unfortunately, the summit was overshadowed by the ongoing crisis in Gaza, with President Erdoğan highlighting Israel's genocidal attacks and the ongoing humanitarian tragedy. It was decided during the summit that the leaders would meet to discuss the decisions taken following the convening of the cooperation committees [10].
[1] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkish-president-reiterates-support-for-palestinian-statehood-at-istanbul-summit/2232922 [2] https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/2023/10/10/erdogan-calls-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-and-reiterates-support-for-palestinian-statehood/ [3] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/gaza-crisis-erdoğan-urges-immediate-ceasefire-and-support-for-palestinian-statehood/2232924 [4] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-italy-libya-leaders-meet-in-istanbul-for-trilateral-summit/2232921 [5] https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-italy-libya-leaders-meet-istanbul-summit-2023-10-10/ [6] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/libyan-premier-calls-for-regional-coordination-to-combat-smuggling-networks/2232932 [7] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/libya-premier-calls-for-regional-coordination-to-combat-smuggling-networks/2232932 [8] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/libyan-premier-calls-for-quadripartite-ministerial-meeting-to-combat-smuggling-networks/2232933 [9] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/libya-issues-statement-after-summit-focusing-on-regional-cooperation-stability-economic-integration/2232930 [10] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/africa/leaders-to-meet-to-discuss-decisions-taken-following-convening-of-cooperation-committees/2232931
- The leaders, during their summit in Istanbul, acknowledged Libya's pivotal role in addressing migration issues, particularly in light of its significant role in managing migration flows.
- In the midst of the Gaza conflict discourse, President Erdoğan advocated for a Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, emphasizing this as the only viable long-term solution, even as the summit was overshadowed by the crisis in Gaza.
