Libya welcomed Turkish delegation’s visit: FM Çavuşoğlu

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

Libya warmly welcomed the visit by a Turkish delegation to the country, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu said late on June 17 at a press conference.  

Earlier in the day, Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj welcomed Çavuşoğlu, Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak and National Intelligence Organization head Hakan Fidan at the instruction of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

"Our visit received a great welcome in Libya. The purpose of the visit is clear: it is to strongly reiterate that Turkey stands with Libya. We also discussed how the two countries can improve bilateral relations," he said.

"As you know, we have signed a memorandum of understanding with Libya about restricting maritime jurisdiction. We have discussed all of the steps to be taken in the Mediterranean in terms of energy. We talked about what is to be done to achieve a permanent ceasefire and a political decision. We also discussed how we will continue our work under the framework of the UN. We evaluated the steps to be taken within the international community," he added.

Reminding that mass graves were found in the city of Tarhuna in Libya, Çavuşoğlu said Turkey supports Libya's endeavors to take this issue to the International Criminal Court.

"These inhumane massacres should be questioned, and those responsible should be taken to the court," he stressed.

Economic ties

Turkey and Libya’s economic partnerships were also discussed during the visit, Çavuşoğlu said.

"Turkish firms' business activities were cut short in Libya due to the war. There are projects, investments that need to be completed. We therefore also discussed the economic aspects of our relations," he added.

The Turkish delegation met with Prime Minister al-Sarraj, Foreign Minister Mohammed Siyala and the chairman of Libya's High Council of State, Khalid al-Mishri.

"We have visited our teams in the region who are there for training and consultancy as part of our memorandum of understanding. They are working there day and night. I congratulate them," Çavuşoğlu said.