The head of Turkish intelligence, Ibrahim Kalin, held discussions with Libyan officials in Tripoli to explore potential solutions through an inclusive national dialogue aimed at preserving the unity and stability of Libya.
Kalin, accompanied by his deputy Cemalettin Celik, visited Tripoli on Thursday, where they held talks with Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, the head of the National Unity Government, as well as members of the Libyan Presidential Council, focusing on resolving internal conflicts, with Kalin reaffirming his country’s commitment to Libya’s unity and stability.
Kalin’s visit followed Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi’s trip to Ankara, where he discussed the situation in Libya with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and key officials.
Libya had been a major point of contention between the two nations, but both sides agreed to continue negotiations. The talks emphasized the need for foreign forces and mercenaries to withdraw, and for presidential and parliamentary elections to be held, ensuring Libya’s territorial integrity and stability. Sisi reiterated these points during a joint press conference with Erdogan on Wednesday.
Since 2020, Türkiye has deployed thousands of troops and Syrian mercenaries from pro-Turkish factions to Libya under a security and military cooperation agreement signed with the previous Government of National Accord (GNA), led by Fayez al-Sarraj, on Nov. 27, 2019, in Istanbul.
Kalin’s visit also coincided with efforts by Libya’s rival authorities to de-escalate a political crisis, particularly surrounding the potential ouster of Central Bank Governor Sadiq al-Kabir, who has historically had close ties with Ankara.
During his meeting with the head of Turkish intelligence, Dbeibeh addressed bilateral relations and mutual interests, including current developments in the Middle East, notably the situation in Gaza, according to a statement from the National Unity Government.
Turkish security sources noted that the discussions emphasized the importance of joint efforts to support regional stability and civilian protection, with a focus on strengthening cooperation in political and security matters.
Before meeting with Dbeibeh, Kalin and Celik also held talks with Libyan Presidential Council deputies Abdullah al-Lafi and Musa al-Koni. They discussed Libya’s recent political developments and ways to bolster stability and advance the political process.
A statement from the Presidential Council emphasized that Libyan officials stressed the need for a unified national will to address current challenges.
The National Unity Government noted that Kalin and Dbeibeh’s meeting centered on bilateral relations and shared concerns, particularly developments in Gaza. Both parties emphasized the need for joint efforts to enhance regional stability and protect civilians, with a focus on deepening political and security cooperation.
