According to informed sources in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, the “first of its kind” visit by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan since assuming his position in June last year to Tripoli on February 7 comes within the framework of enhancing Turkey’s role in Libya.
Hakan Fidan visited Tripoli with an accompanying delegation and met with three out of the five Libyan crisis parties, namely Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, Presidential Council head Mohammed Al-Menfi, and State Council head Mohammed Teke Alah. He did not meet with the other two parties, retired Major General Khalifa Haftar and his political ally, Parliament Speaker Aguila Saleh.
This visit coincided with the challenges facing the UN envoy to Libya, Abdullah Battali’s initiative, calling for a five-party dialogue to settle the disputes hindering elections, an initiative that some crisis parties have rejected so far.
Upon his arrival in Tripoli, Turkish Foreign Minister Fidan met with Turkish military leaders at the headquarters of the Turkish-Libyan joint military forces, forces that defeated Haftar’s forces in southern and western cities in 2020.
Fidan emphasized that his visit to Tripoli aims to support the democratic process and unify the Libyan ranks to achieve stability.
Turkey aims to consolidate its military and political influence in Libya as a strategic step towards its African strategy, considering Libya as its northern gateway. Fidan discussed political and security issues related to Libya and regional countries with Dbeibah, including counterterrorism and irregular migration.
There may be American-Turkish coordination to counter growing Russian influence in Africa in recent years. Fidan’s mission aligns with international calls for elections and ending transitional phases, as Turkey supports Libya’s stability and international efforts for elections.
Turkey has historical ties with Libya, especially during the regime of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. Turkish companies remain active in reconstruction and infrastructure projects in Libya.
Post the battle of Tripoli in April 2019, Turkey intervened militarily in Libya in favor of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord and played a crucial role in defeating Haftar’s forces.
Turkey has become a central player in the Libyan crisis, participating in international conferences and supporting the political settlement that led to the current Government of National Unity.
In addition to strengthening ties with western Libya, Turkish authorities have engaged with Haftar, his sons, and the eastern Libyan parliament. Turkey’s trade volume with Libya reaches $4 billion, notably in energy, logistics, and construction sectors.
The article emphasizes Turkey’s pivotal role in supporting stability in Libya and its strong economic interests in the country, highlighting Turkey’s historical ties with Libya and ongoing collaborations.
