UPDATE - Top-level Turkish delegation meets Libyan premier

ADDS SOURCE, FURTHER INFORMATION ON MEETING AND ITS CONTENT

By Omer Tugrul Cam

ANKARA (AA) – A delegation of visiting senior Turkish officials met with Libya’s premier in the capital Tripoli on Wednesday, according to a statement by the host country.

Libyan Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj welcomed Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, Treasury and Finance Minister Berat Albayrak, and National Intelligence Organization head Hakan Fidan, the Libyan government said in a written statement.

It was noted that both sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral ties and their cooperation regarding the latest developments in the country, the resolution of the conflict and international efforts in this context.

The Turkish and Libyan officials also addressed the works and investments of Turkish public and private sector on the infrastructure and oil issues in Libya, the statement said, adding they also exchanged views on the formation and equipping of Libya’s defense and security forces in line with the memorandum of understanding reached earlier.

Furthermore, the maritime delimitation was also evaluated during the meeting.

Last November, Turkey and Libya signed landmark pacts on military cooperation as well as boundaries in the Mediterranean.

Under the deal, Turkey has sent advisors to help the Libyan Army defeat the militias of warlord Khalifa Haftar.

The Libyan Army recently inflicted heavy blows on Haftar and liberated Tripoli and Tarhuna, in addition to other strategic locations, including Al-Watiya airbase, from his militias.

The internationally recognized government has been under attack by Haftar's forces since April 2019, with more than 1,000 killed in the violence.

* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas