Turkiye indicated on Friday that the division between Libya’s rival eastern and western administrations might soon end. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told journalists in Istanbul that conditions had finally matured to secure a permanent reunification of the country.
During years of conflict in Libya, Ankara firmly supported the United Nations-recognized government based in Tripoli. Relations with eastern authorities have improved markedly after a prior period of hostility.
Fidan addressed reporters after hosting foreign counterparts from Europe and regional nations, including Egypt. Unifying separate military factions under a national army command is a key task in this process. Both sides currently maintain their own military structures, according to the foreign minister.
Integrating these separate units under a single umbrella forms an essential pillar of national unification. Fidan told the press conference that positive announcements on the matter would emerge from Ankara shortly.
This diplomatic push follows a decision by Libya’s eastern-based parliament on Tuesday to approve a maritime demarcation deal with Turkiye. The assembly had previously rejected the agreement when officials initially signed it years ago.
The European Union, including Italy and Greece, criticized the maritime pact this week. Egypt also raised objections, arguing that the agreement infringes on its sovereign rights in the Mediterranean Sea.
Fidan maintained that Ankara holds a constructive stance regarding these regional objections. He suggested that Turkiye, Italy, and Egypt could hold joint discussions to address both Egyptian and Libyan concerns.
Turkish Defense Minister Yaser Guler announced progress on the diplomatic front later on Friday during an interview with Star TV. He stated that Ankara and Cairo had reached an understanding regarding maritime jurisdiction.
Guler stated that Turkiye is ready to sign a delimitation agreement with Egypt. Such a pact would grant Egypt approximately fifteen thousand square kilometres more maritime jurisdiction than an alternative agreement with Greece.
Guler said Ankara is resolute in defending its legitimate rights and interests across the Eastern Mediterranean.
