About our Turkey/Libya News
Breaking news and the latest updates on international relations between the Turkey and Libya. See the latest on trade talks, co-operation, treaties and more...
The roots of modern-day relations between Turkey and Libya can be traced back to the era of the Ottoman Empire. Libya was part of the Ottoman Empire from the 16th century until the early 20th century, when it was seized by Italy following the Italo-Turkish War of 1911. During this period, the two regions shared cultural ties and economic exchanges and Libyan cities like Tripoli and Benghazi served as important centres of Ottoman administration.
After gaining independence from Italy in 1951, the newly found Kingdom of Libya sought to establish diplomatic ties with various nations, including Turkey, which together maintained cordial relations, being both Muslim majority nations.
Relations altered following the bloodless 1969 Libyan coup d'état which overthrew the monarchy and brought Colonel Muammar Gaddafi into power. Under his leadership, Libya pursued a more assertive foreign policy. Gaddafi sought to promote pan-Arabism and supported various revolutionary movements. During this time, Libya and Turkey had some differences in their foreign policy approaches.
By the early 2000s, Turkey-Libya relations significantly improved. Turkey's 'zero troubles with neighbours' policy under Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan aimed to enhance cooperation with neighbouring countries, including Libya, through the promotion of soft power, conflict resolution and 'win-win' solutions. The two countries signed several agreements to promote economic and political cooperation.
The outbreak of the Libyan Civil War in 2011 brought significant challenges to Turkey-Libya relations. Turkey took a stance against the Gaddafi regime and supported the anti-Gaddafi forces. Turkey played a role in providing humanitarian aid and assistance during the conflict.
Following the end of the Libyan Civil War and the fall of the Gaddafi regime, Turkey continued to support Libya's transition to democracy and stability. Turkey also played a role in post-conflict reconstruction efforts. In 2019, Turkey signed a maritime boundary agreement with the UN-recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) in Libya. This agreement has implications for regional energy exploration and has been a source of tension with other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean. In 2020, Turkey provided military support to the GNA during its fight against the Libyan National Army (LNA), led by General Khalifa Haftar.