On Tuesday, the Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba held a telephone conversation with Turkish Vice President, Fuat Oktay. They discussed bilateral relations, and the latest developments in the country.
During the call, Oktay claimed that Turkey’s priority is to “restore Libya’s stability, without further delay, by preserving its political unity and territorial integrity.”
This came days after the signing of a controversial agreement regarding oil and gas exploration.
This will allow for oil and gas exploration in Libyan waters, and comes three years after the two countries signed a maritime border deal.
Notably, Egyptian FM, Sameh Shoukry said that the “outgoing” GNU in Tripoli has been illegitimate since 24 December, and has no right to sign international agreements.
He urged the United Nations to announce its position on the legitimacy of the outgoing Libyan government. “We confirm the necessity of holding elections in Libya, and supporting the efforts of the Libyan Parliament,” he added.
Greek FM, Nikos Dendias accused Turkey of exploiting “the turbulent situation in Libya to further destabilize security in the Mediterranean region, and establish a regional hegemony.”
The recently signed energy deal between Turkey and the GNU could fuel the tensions and may lead to an open conflict between Ankara and Athens, according to the Politico newspaper.
Last month, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warned that his forces could “come down suddenly one night.” Interpreting this as a direct threat to Greek islands, Dendias warned allies that they would need to crack down on Ankara or risk another Ukraine crisis.