Benghazi: Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan announced that Trkiye will persist in its constructive and mediating role to bridge the divide between Libya's eastern and western factions, expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations aimed at reunifying the country. "We will continue our constructive role here, as well as our role as a mediator," Fidan stated to reporters in Benghazi after concluding meetings in Tripoli and Benghazi during his visit to Libya.
According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan's discussions with leaders from both sides of Libya's political divide left him with a positive impression, noting broad support for reunification. He highlighted that officials in Tripoli strongly backed efforts to unify eastern and western Libya, although negotiations were proceeding with certain conditions. In Benghazi, Fidan met with key figures including Khalifa Haftar, the commander of forces in eastern Libya, and House of Representatives Speaker Aguila Saleh.
Fidan emphasized Trkiye's balanced relations with both eastern and western Libya, which are widely appreciated. He noted that Trkiye's ability to maintain relations equally with both regions and its genuine interest in Libya's unity and territorial integrity are well-regarded.
Libyans on both sides, Fidan argued, are aware of the potential strength and prosperity that could arise from a unified country. He suggested that Libya's reunification could help address not only the country's issues but also contribute to Africa, the Muslim world, and the broader region. Fidan mentioned certain obstacles that need to be addressed and the importance of consultations with other countries, including a US proposal advancing in consultation with Trkiye.
Since the 2011 uprising that overthrew Muammar Gaddafi, Libya has experienced years of political division and conflict. Fidan credited Trkiye's foreign policy under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan with contributing to the country's relative stability since 2019.
Fidan also highlighted the growing economic ties between Trkiye and Libya, with Turkish contractors undertaking significant projects in both Tripoli and Benghazi. He noted the appreciation of Turkish companies' professional work by both sides and encouraged more Turkish companies to enter the Libyan market, particularly in construction and industrial sectors.
He underlined Libya's abundant energy resources, low labor costs, and favorable market access as attractive factors for investment. Fidan expressed the hope that the good relations Trkiye has established with both the east and west would help unite the two sides into a single, sovereign, and independent Libya.
Fidan is scheduled to visit Egypt next, describing it as a 'friend and ally' with which Trkiye collaborates closely on regional issues, including conflicts in the Gulf and Palestine.