Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has revealed significant progress in relations between Ankara and Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s administration in eastern Libya, underscoring Turkey’s evolving diplomatic strategy toward the divided North African nation.
Erdogan said Turkey has witnessed “tangible and positive progress” in its engagement with Haftar’s leadership in recent months. He confirmed that Haftar’s son has maintained regular communication with Turkish intelligence and the foreign ministry, ensuring that the eastern authorities “are not isolated from us.”
The Turkish leader stressed the importance of building constructive dialogue between eastern and western Libya, emphasizing that Ankara’s policies now focus on opening multiple diplomatic channels across the country.
Erdogan noted strong expectations that the Benghazi-based authorities could ratify the 2019 maritime jurisdiction agreement signed between Turkey and the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity (GNU). The deal, which outlines exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in the Eastern Mediterranean, has faced pressure from Greece, which opposes its recognition by eastern Libya.
According to Erdogan, ratification of the agreement would represent a significant diplomatic achievement and a legal gain under international law.
While Ankara has been a staunch supporter of the internationally recognized GNU in Tripoli since the outset of the conflict, Erdogan acknowledged that Turkey’s Libya policy has evolved to embrace “multi-dimensional diplomacy.” He insisted that Turkey’s efforts aim to safeguard Libya’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political unity.
Looking ahead, Erdogan said Turkey expects progress in Libya’s stalled political process through free and transparent elections. However, he warned of “actors who seek to obstruct peace and stability.”
He reaffirmed Turkey’s long-term commitment to the Libyan people, pledging continued support for dialogue and political reconciliation.
“Ratification of the maritime jurisdiction agreement by Benghazi,” Erdogan stressed, “would mark an important step in strengthening peace and securing Libya’s rightful place in the international legal order.”
