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Türkiye and Libya expect 2026 to mark a turning point in their energy partnership, with new projects, tenders and joint ventures set to deliver concrete results, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
Speaking to Anadolu Agency on the sidelines of the Türkiye-Libya Joint Economic Commission (JEC) meeting and the Libya Energy and Economy Summit in Tripoli, Bayraktar said long-running negotiations between the two countries are nearing a decisive phase.
Bayraktar said energy will be placed at the center of efforts to expand bilateral trade, which reached about $4.4 billion in 2025 and is expected to exceed $5 billion in 2026.
“Türkiye-Libya cooperation will make 2026 an energy year,” he said, adding that talks have been underway for years and are now expected to yield tangible outcomes.
He noted that the JEC, which convened for the first time in about 17 years, covers a wide range of sectors beyond energy, including transportation, health, education and trade.
Bayraktar said the resumption of the mechanism and the signing of related agreements marked a historic step in revitalizing economic ties.
Bayraktar said Türkiye is negotiating agreements for new oil and natural gas fields in Libya while also pursuing partnerships with international energy companies operating in the country.
He said Türkiye plans to participate in oil and gas tenders set to be held in February, expressing particular interest in two fields, one offshore and one on land. If Türkiye gains stakes through the tenders, work would begin rapidly, he added.
Bayraktar highlighted Türkiye’s experience in offshore exploration, seismic surveys and drilling, saying this expertise could contribute to Libya’s development while deepening bilateral cooperation.
Referring to an agreement signed last June between Turkish Petroleum and Libya’s National Oil Corporation, Bayraktar said preparations are underway for seismic studies in Libya’s offshore areas, potentially starting in 2026. Depending on results and agreements, drilling activities could follow, similar to Türkiye’s recent offshore operations elsewhere.
Bayraktar also said Türkiye is expanding its overseas energy activities as part of a new growth strategy.
He confirmed plans to sign an agreement with US energy giant Chevron in Istanbul on Feb. 5 and said further international partnerships are expected.
He noted that Turkish Petroleum has recently secured licenses for offshore and onshore fields in Pakistan and is pursuing projects in Libya and Kazakhstan, following talks with KazMunayGas.
“These initiatives aim to strengthen Türkiye’s energy portfolio through partnerships or direct operations,” Bayraktar said, adding that several agreements could be finalized and projects launched within the year.
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