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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan pledged continued support for lasting stability in Libya during high-level diplomatic talks Tuesday, as regional powers navigate complex geopolitical challenges in the war-torn North African nation.
Erdogan met with Libyan Presidential Council President Mohamed al-Menfi at the Turkish House in New York, where the leaders addressed bilateral relations and broader regional security concerns on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly.
"We will continue to support this end," Erdogan said, referring to Türkiye's commitment to achieving sustainable peace in Libya, a country that has remained fractured since the 2011 overthrow of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
The Turkish leader also emphasized Türkiye's determination to protect both nations' interests in the strategically important Eastern Mediterranean region. Erdogan said they will continue to step up efforts to protect Türkiye and Libya's rights and interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and to enhance bilateral cooperation.
Türkiye has played an influential role in Libya's complex political landscape, providing military support to the internationally recognized Government of National Unity based in Tripoli. The relationship has strengthened significantly since 2019, when Ankara signed security and maritime agreements with the Libyan government.
The meeting comes as various international actors continue to vie for influence in Libya, which sits atop Africa's largest proven oil reserves. The UN General Assembly provides a crucial platform for such diplomatic engagements as the international community seeks to stabilize the region and address ongoing security challenges.
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