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Libya Review
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Review
Could the Libya & Turkey Military Agreement Trigger New Regional Tensions?
Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU) and the Turkish Ministry of Defense signed a new military cooperation agreement last Thursday, marking another chapter in the growing partnership between Ankara and Tripoli. According to an official statement issued by the GNU, the deal includes provisions for advanced military training, logistical and technical support, and the exchange of expertise, with the stated goal of improving the operational readiness of Libya's armed forces. The agreement was finalized during a visit by Defense Ministry undersecretary Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi to Ankara, where he met Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. Though not unexpected, the timing of the agreement has raised several questions, as it comes at a time of increased volatility in western Libya. Clashes between major armed factions in Tripoli, including the Rada force and the 444 Brigade, have prompted warnings from the United Nations, which said that Libya is once again on the brink of violence. Critics argue that deeper foreign military ties may further complicate the situation rather than promote long-term stability. The agreement is the latest in a series of military and geopolitical understandings between the two sides. In 2019, Turkiye signed a sweeping defense memorandum with Libya's former Government of National Accord (GNA), followed by a controversial maritime border agreement that drew sharp criticism from several Mediterranean countries, including Greece, Egypt, and Cyprus. The Turkish-Libyan defense alignment is widely seen as part of Ankara's broader regional strategy. Analysts point to a pattern of Turkish engagement in conflict-prone areas, blending military agreements with political, economic, and energy ambitions. Similar models have been observed in Turkiye's relationships with Bangladesh, Central Asia, and the South Caucasus. In Libya, however, the domestic picture remains fragile. GNU control over the west is being challenged from within, and many observers fear that deepening military partnerships with foreign actors could erode what remains of Libya's sovereignty. Tags: libyaLibyan GovernmentMilitary DealTurkey
Libya Review
03-07-2025
- Business
- Libya Review
Greek Foreign Minister Rejects Political Bidding Over Libya
On Thursday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis ruled out any attempt by Athens to buy political influence in Libya, despite Turkey's increasing presence there. In press statements, Gerapetritis stressed that Greece remains committed to defending its maritime economic interests in the Mediterranean through diplomacy and international law. 'Greece will never engage in bidding wars over Libya,' Gerapetritis declared. 'We are a reliable partner, firmly committed to international law, and we pursue multi-dimensional diplomacy—from Africa to the Aegean.' Addressing the situation in Libya and ongoing disputes over maritime zones, Gerapetritis insisted that Greece has not abandoned the region. He acknowledged Turkey's growing influence in Libya and wider Africa, but emphasized that Athens has strengthened its own relations with Libyan authorities. 'We have never walked away from Libya. On the contrary, we've restored our diplomatic channels with both sides, and very soon, I will visit both eastern and western Libya,' he confirmed. He also reiterated Greece's rejection of transactional diplomacy, stating, 'We will not buy influence in Libya. We stand by our principles and have plenty of diplomatic tools at our disposal.' Gerapetritis strongly dismissed the 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya's former government, calling it 'infamous, legally void, and in violation of international law.' He asserted that the agreement carries no legal standing regardless of the parties involved. On the issue of irregular migration, the Greek foreign minister announced a new national strategy to address increasing migrant flows from eastern Libya. He described the challenge as part of broader regional instability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. 'The southern migration route is driven by conflict and instability. Greece has made tough decisions, particularly in border control. We keep the sea open—we won't endanger lives—but our approach is proving effective,' he said. Gerapetritis also revealed plans to discuss maritime boundaries with Libyan officials during his upcoming trip and to initiate formal talks on the exclusive economic zone. Additionally, he announced Greece's intention to create marine parks in the Ionian Sea and the southern Aegean, a move he described as both an environmental project and a geopolitical statement, despite anticipated opposition from neighboring countries. Tags: GreeceGreek FMlibyaMartime DealTurkey
