Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan exchanged views on the Libyan crisis during Sisi’s visit to Ankara on Wednesday.
In a joint press conference, Sisi stated that he and Erdogan agreed on the need for consultation between the institutions of both countries to achieve security and political stability in Libya.
The two leaders emphasised the importance of resolving the long-standing Libyan crisis by holding simultaneous presidential and parliamentary elections, and the withdrawal of foreign and mercenary forces from the country.
They also stressed the need to eliminate armed militias in Libya to enable the country to overcome divisions and achieve security and stability.
President Sisi’s visit to Ankara marks the first official visit by an Egyptian leader to Turkey in over 12 years.
Last week, Erdogan stated that Turkish forces are fulfilling their duties to the fullest in all their areas of operation, including Syria, northern Iraq, Libya, and Somalia.
Speaking at the diploma ceremony of the National Defence University Military Academy in Ankara, he emphasised that Turkey’s military presence in these regions is part of its broader strategy to maintain national security and protect its interests.
In Libya, Turkey’s military involvement is grounded in the security and military cooperation agreement signed in 2019 with the outgoing Government of National Accord (GNA). This agreement, which includes provisions for training, advisory services, and equipment support, was designed to help the GNA fend off the advance of rival forces and establish stability in the region.
Under the terms of this agreement, Turkey has provided military support, including drone strikes and military advisers.
