Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan visited Khalifa Haftar’s family compound in Benghazi on August 12, marking the first time in over a decade that a Turkish diplomat of his rank has been received in eastern Libya. This visit gives Turkey diplomatic access to both eastern and western Libya, which has been divided since the fall of Moammar Gadhafi in 2011. The internationally recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli, supported by Turkey, controls the west, while Haftar’s Libyan National Army dominates the east. Fidan held meetings in both Tripoli and Benghazi, emphasizing Turkey’s interest in Libya’s stability as interconnected with its own. His trip raised concerns among Israeli officials regarding Turkey’s influence in the Eastern Mediterranean, while pro-government Turkish outlets celebrated the diplomatic outreach as evidence of Ankara’s expanding regional power.
Why It Matters
Turkey’s involvement in Libya reflects its broader strategic ambitions in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, particularly following the 2019 maritime agreement with Libya that has raised tensions with Israel. The ongoing division in Libya, where the Government of National Unity and Haftar’s forces remain at odds despite a 2020 ceasefire, underscores the complex geopolitical landscape. Turkey’s support for the Tripoli government and recent engagement with Haftar suggests a shift toward a more balanced approach in its foreign policy. Additionally, the normalization of relations between Egypt and Turkey may influence regional dynamics, as both countries have historically backed opposing factions in Libya.
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