Turkey hosts Libya military talks in push for national unity

Turkey hosted a crucial meeting of Libya’s 5+5 Joint Military Committee (JMC) in Ankara on Thursday, marking a significant diplomatic effort to bridge the divide between eastern and western Libya’s military factions.

The high-level talks, initiated by the Turkish Ministry of Defence, focused on exploring additional measures to strengthen peace and security in the conflict-affected North African nation.

The meeting sought to develop collaborative initiatives between Libya’s historically divided eastern and western regions.

“Our ultimate goal remains a unified Libya with fully integrated institutions,” said a senior Turkish defence ministry official in a statement. The ministry emphasised Turkey’s commitment to maintaining support for all Libyan factions under a unified approach, highlighting the historical bonds between the two nations.

The gathering follows recent comments by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who outlined Turkey’s strategic vision for Libya during a media briefing in Ankara last Sunday.

“We are actively strengthening our relationships with various Libyan stakeholders,” Fidan told journalists, emphasising Turkey’s methodical approach to fostering Libyan national unity.

Committee members reportedly expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of the Ankara meeting, according to Turkish officials. The talks represent a continuation of Turkey’s diplomatic efforts to facilitate Libya’s stability and institutional integration.

The JMC, comprising military representatives from both sides of Libya’s divide, has been instrumental in implementing confidence-building measures since its establishment. These measures have been crucial in maintaining the ceasefire and promoting stability in the region.

Regional analysts note that Turkey’s hosting of these talks reflects its growing role in Libya’s peace process, though some international observers remain cautious about external influence in Libya’s internal affairs.

The meeting comes at a critical time for Libya as various international stakeholders seek to support the nation’s path towards unified governance and lasting peace.

The success of such initiatives could significantly impact regional stability and Mediterranean security arrangements.