The U.S. Ambassador Richard Norland met with Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Kanaan Yilmaz, to explore ways to facilitate upcoming elections in the country. The discussions were held at a meeting that also included the acting U.S. Ambassador to Libya, Jeremy Brent.
According to a post on the U.S. Embassy’s X account, Ambassador Norland described the meeting with Ambassador Yilmaz as highly productive. They focused on the combined efforts of the United States and Turkey to back the U.N.-led political process in Libya, aiming to advance both security and economic progress in the region.
Ambassador Norland expressed optimism about the stability in Libya, highlighted by the resumption of flights by Turkish Airlines—a sign of growing stability in the country.
This meeting is part of a series of discussions held by the American diplomats in recent days with various Libyan stakeholders, following the resignation of U.N. envoy Abdallah Bathily.
In the last two days, Norland and Brent also met with Mohamed al-Menfi, the head of the Libyan Presidential Council, and his fellow council members Musa al-Koni and Abdullah al-Lafi. Discussions extended to Taher El-Baour, acting head of the Foreign Ministry Affairs in the Government of National Unity, Farhat Bengdara, chairman of the National Oil Corporation, and representatives from the Council of Elders and Notables of Misrata.
These meetings underscore a deepening engagement by the U.S. and Turkey in Libya’s transitional political landscape, signaling international commitment to ensuring a stable and democratic future for Libya.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
