The Prime Minister of the Libyan National Unity Government, Abdel Hamid Dabaiba, held talks in Istanbul with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while Ankara confirmed that it would continue to support the Libyan government in its work for a united Libya.

The two sides held an expanded meeting for the delegations of the two countries, which was attended by the Governor of the Central Bank of Libya.

The Turkish presidency stated that the meeting discussed strengthening bilateral relations and military and economic cooperation.

The media office of the Prime Minister of the Libyan National Unity Government said that the meeting also discussed the return of Turkish companies to work in Libya, facilitating visa procedures and following up on outstanding files.


strategic cooperation

For his part, the Libyan Minister of State for Communication and Political Affairs said that the two parties discussed the agreements of the Supreme Council for Strategic Cooperation signed between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar confirmed that his country will continue to support the Libyan government in its work for a united Libya.

He stressed that his country's forces will remain in Libya in order to provide training and advice.

He refused to describe the Turkish forces there as foreign, stressing that they entered Libya at the official invitation of the legitimate government.

The meeting of the delegations of Turkey and Libya was held at Wahideddin Palace in Istanbul (Anatolia)

Amnesty International demands

In a related context, Amnesty International called on the Libyan National Unity Government not to grant any kind of legitimacy or provide any financial support to militias operating in eastern Libya.

The organization warned against providing any official cover for these militias, which committed egregious violations, including kidnapping, torture and enforced disappearance.

Amnesty International said that the Libyan official authorities should seek to bring these people to justice, rather than providing them with support, to ensure their loyalty.

She pointed out that elements of the Internal Security Agency - which was operating during the days of the Gaddafi regime - revived a security formation in the east of the country, and allied with armed groups operating under the command of retired Major General Khalifa Haftar.