On Thursday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry announced that talks were ongoing between Moscow and Ankara regarding the Libyan crisis. The two sides intend to pave the way for a permanent ceasefire in Libya through the formation of a joint working group tasked with achieving political dialogue between the two Libyans parties.
Turkish political analyst Firas Radwanoglu said that the joint committee is necessary as it will reduce the number of international players in Libya, create conditions for a political solution, and a comprehensive ceasefire.
A Turkish and Russian delegation met in Ankara to discuss the conflict in Libya, agreeing to press ahead with efforts for a lasting ceasefire, Turkey’s Foreign Ministry said. A joint statement released after the meeting said the two sides had agreed to work together and encouraged Libya’s opposing sides to create “conditions for a lasting and sustainable ceasefire”.
The meeting between Turkish and Russian officials comes amid heightened tensions between global powers supporting rival factions. This week, Egypt’s Parliament authorized the deployment of troops to Libya, a move that threatens to escalate the spiraling war and bring Egypt and Turkey into a direct confrontation.
Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said that achieving a political solution in Libya requires a “firm” response to extremists and foreign interference, which “not only threaten Egypt’s interests, but also the security of Mediterranean countries”.
Shoukry’s comments came during telephone calls with French Foreign Minister Jean Yves Le Drian and German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas, according to a statement from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.