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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 Observer
6 days ago
- Politics
- Libya Observer
Libya's GNU signs agreement with Turkey to enhance military capabilities
The Ministry of Defense of the Government of National Unity has signed a cooperation agreement with its Turkish counterpart aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Libyan army, as part of the ministry's institutional development program. The agreement was signed during a visit by Deputy Minister Abdel-Salam Zoubi to the Turkish capital, Ankara, where he met with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and the Turkish Deputy Defense Minister, in a bid to boost military cooperation between the two countries, according to a post by the Libyan government on its official Facebook page. The agreement includes provisions for cooperation in advanced military training, exchange of expertise, and technical and logistical support, with the goal of improving the readiness and professional competence of Libyan army personnel. Following the signing, Zoubi stated that the agreement is part of the Defense Ministry's plan to train and develop the Libyan military, praising the strategic relationship between Libya and Turkey in this field, whereas the Turkish side reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya in building its defense capabilities, reflecting the depth of the partnership between the two countries. In 2019, the former Government of National Accord signed a military cooperation agreement with Turkey that included the deployment of advisors and capacity building for the Libyan army. Later, in 2022, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh of the Government of National Unity signed two additional cooperation agreements with Turkey, focusing on enhancing Libya's air force capabilities—covering pilots, technology, and physical training—as well as strengthening border security, combating organized crime, and establishing a joint military committee. Tags: Ministry of Defense Libyan Army Turkey
Express Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Express Tribune
Turkish defence minister commends PAF's role in conflict with India
Listen to article Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler has lauded the Pakistan Air Force's exceptional performance under the leadership of Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu in the four-day war with India, commending its operational preparedness and resolute defence of national sovereignty. A high-level delegation led by Güler called on Air Chief Marshal Sidhu during a visit to the Air Headquarters in Islamabad on Wednesday, the military's media wing reported. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting covered discussions on evolving regional security dynamics, the progress of ongoing defence cooperation, and prospects for future collaboration in emerging domains of warfare. During the meeting, the chief of the air staff highlighted the enduring brotherly ties between Pakistan and Turkiye, emphasising the common aspirations and strategic convergence that bind the two nations. He reaffirmed the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) steadfast resolve to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fields of advanced training and aerospace technologies. TURKISH DEFENCE DELEGATION VISITS AIR HEADQUARTERS — DGPR (AIR FORCE) (@DGPR_PAF) July 9, 2025 The statement added that both dignitaries agreed on the establishment of dedicated joint working groups to streamline and accelerate progress across various sectors of mutual interest. Highlighting the longstanding fraternal ties between Turkiye and Pakistan, Güler conveyed Turkiye's earnest desire to bolster bilateral defence relations through deeper industry-to-industry collaboration. He particularly emphasised the need to explore joint ventures in cutting-edge domains, including disruptive technologies, advanced avionics, and unmanned aerial systems. Read More: Chinese air force chief lauds PAF's performance in conflict with India The statement further mentioned that the Turkish defence minister expressed appreciation for the PAF's continued support in the pilot exchange programme, which he described as a vital initiative for fostering professional growth and operational understanding between the two air forces. 'Both dignitaries concurred on finalising the modalities for enhanced training collaboration and reaffirmed their strong commitment to expanding the scale and scope of joint bilateral and multilateral air exercises,' it added. The visit of the Turkish defence minister to the Air Headquarters in Islamabad reflects the shared commitment of both nations to enhance strategic cooperation, solidify defence ties, and promote lasting institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Turkey, the ISPR stated. A day earlier, the Chief of Staff of China's People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF), Lt General Wang Gang, also praised the PAF leadership for its professional acumen and strategic foresight while paying tribute to the exemplary performance of the PAF during the recent conflict with India. A high-level defence delegation, led by Lt General Gang, visited Air Chief Marshal Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. Lt General Gang praised PAF pilots for delivering a decisive and measured response under the resolute leadership of Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, describing it as a textbook example of precision, discipline, and courage in the face of unprovoked aggression.
Arab News
7 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Pakistan, Türkiye aim to boost trade to $5 billion, deepen energy and defense ties
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and Türkiye on Wednesday announced plans to expand bilateral trade to $5 billion and deepen cooperation in energy, defense, and strategic infrastructure, as senior ministers from both nations met in Islamabad amid growing regional instability. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler arrived in Pakistan late Tuesday for high-level discussions with political and military leaders. The visit, described by Pakistan's foreign office as a sign of 'deepening strategic ties,' included consultations on regional stability, trade expansion, and defense modernization. At a joint news conference with Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, the Turkish foreign minister said both sides were committed to strengthening what has long been a close bilateral partnership. 'Economy, energy, defense industry, education and culture are areas where we are extending our cooperation each day,' Fidan said. 'The joint working groups under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council — from defense, from energy, from education — are all working in a very productive manner.' 'We are aiming to increase our commercial relations to $5 billion,' he added. 'In the field of energy, we are intensifying joint activities in mining and also in precious stones, as well as natural gas and the oil sector.' Fidan highlighted a recent agreement signed in April between Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) and a Pakistani state-owned firm to explore offshore oil and gas, calling it a 'preliminary step toward broader structural cooperation' in the energy sector. On defense cooperation, Fidan described joint initiatives as 'a strategic step for the security of both countries,' noting that multiple projects in defense manufacturing and technology were already underway. ECONOMIC ZONE, RAIL REVIVAL Speaking at the joint press conference, Deputy PM Dar announced several new initiatives aimed at increasing Turkish investment in Pakistan. 'We are pursuing establishment of a Special Economic Zone dedicated for Turkish entrepreneurs in Karachi,' he said, adding that Pakistan was working to revive the long-dormant Istanbul–Tehran–Islamabad freight train, which was once seen as a key transnational trade route linking South Asia with Europe. 'Our delegations are meeting in coming weeks to finalize the roadmap for its revival,' he said. Dar added that Turkish companies were being considered for major upcoming infrastructure and energy projects, including the Jinnah Medical Complex, Danish University, offshore drilling operations, and privatization of electricity distribution companies (DISCOs). The deputy PM said the two nations had also agreed to revive the long-dormant Joint Ministerial Commission after 11 years and the Pakistani minister of commerce and the Turkish minister of defense would be co-chairing a joint session of the Commission in coming weeks. 'All this work will lay a solid foundation for the 8th High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, which will be held next year in Türkiye and co-chaired by the Honourable President of Türkiye [Recep Tayyip Erdoğan] and the Prime Minister of Pakistan [Shehbaz Sharif],' Dar said. DEFENSE TIES In a separate engagement, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler met with Pakistan's Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad to assess the state of bilateral defense cooperation and discuss emerging regional threats. According to Pakistan's military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), both sides agreed to set up joint working groups to deepen collaboration in aerospace technologies, advanced training, and new domains of warfare. Güler praised the operational readiness of the Pakistan Air Force, particularly during its recent conflict with India, and expressed interest in expanding industry-to-industry partnerships. He also emphasized the importance of joint ventures in disruptive technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, advanced avionics and pilot exchange programs. Both parties pledged to enhance joint air exercises and finalize plans for more intensive training cooperation. The ISPR said the meeting reflected the 'shared commitment of both the brotherly nations to enhance strategic cooperation, solidify defense ties and promote lasting institutional linkages between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Türkiye.'
Arab News
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Turkish ministers arrive in Pakistan amid expectations of defense, counterterrorism talks
ISLAMABAD: Türkiye's defense and foreign ministers arrived in Pakistan on late Tuesday night for a series of high-level meetings expected to focus on counterterrorism, defense cooperation and broader strategic ties, according to the foreign office in Islamabad. The visit comes amid deepening relations between the two countries and follows Türkiye's public condemnation of Indian cross-border strikes in Pakistan during a brief conflict between the two South Asian neighbors in May. The Pakistani administration announced the arrival of Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Defense Minister Yaşar Güler in two separate official statements. 'During [their] official visit to Pakistan, key matters of mutual interest will be discussed,' the foreign office said. 'The visit highlights the close brotherly ties between Pakistan and Türkiye, founded on shared values, mutual respect, and a long history of friendship.' The Turkish state broadcaster TRT International said the visit 'is expected to advance bilateral cooperation in the fields of security and counter-terrorism,' adding the 'delegation is also expected to discuss measures to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.' Pakistan and Türkiye have maintained close military ties in recent years. Under a 2018 agreement, Türkiye is delivering four MILGEM-class corvettes to the Pakistan Navy, with two built in Istanbul and two at Karachi Shipyard under a technology transfer arrangement. The first vessel, PNS Babur, was delivered in 2023.
