Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu held a joint press conference with his counterpart Necla al-Menguş after bilateral meetings in Libya’s capital Tripoli, where he was on an official visit.
Congratulating his Libyan counterpart and the Libyan people on the month of Ramadan, Çavuşoğlu stated that they were happy to be in Libya with a large delegation including the Minister of National Defense Hulusi Akar and the Head of the National Intelligence Organization (MİT) Hakan Fidan.
Çavuşoğlu emphasized that the purpose of this visit with a strong delegation was to reiterate Turkey’s support to sister Libya, the Presidential Council and the Government of National Unity (UBH).
Underlining that the two countries have over 500 years of historical, cultural and human ties, Çavuşoğlu said, “Libya with its west, east and south is a sacred country for us. As Turkey, we have always adopted the principle of protecting Libya’s integrity, sovereignty, independence and political unity. we give. ” he spoke.
Çavuşoğlu emphasized that Turkey is making intensive efforts for lasting peace, stability and prosperity, and continued as follows:
“We always stood by the Libyan people and their legitimate governments during their difficult times. In the face of the attacks on Tripoli, the legitimate government of Libya invited some countries, including us. Only Turkey responded positively to this call. Security and military cooperation to Libya within the scope of the memorandum of understanding. The support we provided prevented civil war, sibling strife and human tragedy. “
Çavuşoğlu also stated that Turkey’s support provided an important opportunity for the establishment of the Presidential Council and the UBH, as well as ensuring the ceasefire.
“We will continue to stand by our Libyan brothers in good and bad days”
Çavuşoğlu stated that at the High Level Strategic Council Meeting held on 12 April with the delegation from Libya in Ankara, they confirmed that the memorandums of understanding and agreements were adhered to, and said, “The government in charge has efforts to support all Libya and the Libyan people. we support. ” he spoke.
Çavuşoğlu stated that there are opportunities to discuss the maritime jurisdiction agreement between the two countries with his counterpart and the next steps they will take.
He stated that they also discussed economic cooperation, investments in Libya and bilateral trade relations, evaluated the issue of returning the Turkish private sector to Libya and worked together on this issue.
Çavuşoğlu stated that they agreed to hold the second High Level Strategic Council and the Joint Economic Commission Meeting in 2021 at the same time.
Expressing that Turkey also supports Libya’s fight against the new type of coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic, Çavuşoğlu reminded that the Libyan Friendship Group was established in the Turkish Grand National Assembly and that retired Ambassador Ahmet Yıldız, who previously served in the country, is the president of this group. .
Çavuşoğlu said, “We will continue to stand by our Libyan brothers in their good and bad days and intensify our contacts in the coming days.” emphasized.
Minister Çavuşoğlu invited his Libyan counterpart to the Antalya Diplomacy Forum to be held in the second week of June.
Menguş: We want to cooperate with Turkey to end the existence of foreign powers
Libyan Foreign Minister Menguş stated that Turkey stood by Libyans during the last process and provided exceptional support.
Menguş, “We thank Turkey for keeping its embassy open during this period despite all the difficulties, continuing consular services to Libyan citizens and continuing flights between Libya and Turkey.” he spoke.
Menguş also thanked Turkey for its support in combating the pandemic, reminding that Turkey recently sent aid cargoes to Libya in the fight against Kovid-19.
The Libyan minister said that an expert technical team from Turkish Airlines (THY) will arrive in Libya on May 6 and will investigate the resumption of flights.
“We emphasize the importance of Turkey’s contribution in stopping the war and providing a ceasefire.” Menguş said, calling for mutual solidarity for the results of the Berlin Conference and the implementation of all United Nations Security Council resolutions.
Menguş continued as follows:
“We also call on (Turkey) cooperation to end all foreign powers and mercenaries in Libyan territory, in respect of Libya’s sovereignty.” he spoke.
“We emphasize our desire to develop our qualified economic relations with Turkey in the context of the legitimate interests of the two countries,” Menguş added. he added.
