On Saturday, the Turkish Defence Minister, Hulusi Akar, said that Turkey is closely following the course of negotiations for a political solution in Libya, claiming that his country is seeking to contribute to establishing security and stability in the North African country and preserving its political and geographical unity.
During a meeting with Minister of Defence of the Government of National Accord (GNA), Salah al-Din Al-Namroush in Ankara today, Akar said that the Turkish Army continues to provide training, support, and advisory services to the Tripoli-based government.
Akar reiterated Turkey’s commitment to maintain consultations with Libya and continue military and security training for Libyan forces.
On his part, Al-Namroush said he had discussed with his Turkish counterpart ways to strengthen joint cooperation between the two countries in the field of defence, training, and exchange of experiences and information.
During the meeting, they also reviewed the progress of training programs that will be received by the GNA soldiers in the Libyan capital.
Al-Namroush’s visit came a day after Libya’s warring sides agreed to hold national parliamentary and presidential elections on December 24th, 2021.
The agreement was reached during UN-sponsored talks in Tunisia between representatives of the Libyan National Army, led by Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, and the GNA.
The participants agreed to establish a new Presidential Council and executive body to manage the transition period and hold national elections, according to Stephanie Williams, Head of the UN Support Mission in Libya.
Libya has been torn by a civil war since the ouster of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.