Turkey and Libya signed a new military cooperation agreement on Thursday, July 10, in Ankara, aiming to enhance the Libyan army’s operational capabilities through advanced training, logistical support, and technical expertise.
The deal was signed by Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler and Libya’s Deputy Minister of Defence Brig. Gen. Abdussalam Al-Zoubi, representing the Tripoli-based Government of National Unity.
The agreement marks a renewed commitment by Turkey to maintain and expand its military influence in North Africa, reinforcing its position as a key backer of Libya’s internationally recognised government amid an ongoing regional power struggle involving Egypt and others.
Under the terms of the agreement, Libya will benefit from Turkish-led military training programs, technology transfers, and comprehensive logistical assistance. Deputy Minister Al-Zoubi described the partnership as a “strategic priority” for the institutional development of Libya’s Ministry of Defence.
Turkey, in its official statement, reaffirmed its intention to support Libya’s defence sector, stressing that the cooperation is not only about military strength but also about ensuring regional stability.
This agreement comes shortly after reports emerged that Turkey intends to deploy one of its new floating drilling rigs to Libyan waters—raising the stakes in the Eastern Mediterranean. Egypt has already voiced strong opposition to any revival of the controversial 2019 Turkey-Libya maritime memorandum and has asked the United States to pressure General Haftar not to ratify it.
With geopolitical tensions in the region running high, the deepening of Turkish-Libyan defence ties is expected to spark concern among Mediterranean nations and may significantly impact the balance of power over regional security and energy control.
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