Erdogan Seeks Parliamentary Approval to Extend Military Presence in Libya

 


Nov 25, 2023. Posted by  Balkan Periscope - Hellas

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan formally presented a memorandum to the Turkish Parliament, advocating for the extension of Turkey’s military presence in Libya through 2025.

This strategic proposal underscores Turkey’s ongoing commitment to maintaining stability and supporting military operations in the region.

According to reports by the Anadolu Agency, Erdoğan’s memorandum focuses on sustaining the training and advisory support provided to Libyan forces. This support is part of the security and military cooperation agreement previously established with Libya’s former Government of National Accord (GNA).

The memorandum aims to avert the resurgence of armed conflicts and to ensure the culmination of ongoing military and political negotiations under the United Nations’ (UN) guidance.

The Turkish government perceives the stabilization of the Libyan government as vital to safeguarding its interests in the Mediterranean and North Africa. The resumption of hostilities in Libya poses a direct threat to regional stability and, by extension, to Turkish national security interests.

Erdoğan’s proposal also addresses the need to combat potential threats from armed groups and terrorist organisations targeting Turkish interests in Libya. This aspect of the memorandum highlights Turkey’s broader strategy to secure its geopolitical interests in the region.

The Turkish Parliament previously extended the mission of Turkish forces in Libya for 18 months, beginning January 2nd, 2021. This extension enabled the Turkish military to provide essential training and mine-clearance expertise, elevating the Libyan forces’ combat capabilities to meet international standards.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the GNA in January 2020 laid the groundwork for Ankara’s humanitarian and military assistance to Libya.

This assistance forms a critical part of Turkey’s approach to maintaining regional stability and supporting Libya’s government, the Libyan media write.

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