Libya, Turkiye deepen military ties

Libya’s unity government has signed a new military cooperation agreement with Turkiye to boost the Libyan army’s training, logistics, and operational readiness, Arab News reports.

The deal was finalized during a visit to Ankara Thursday by Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi, undersecretary at Libya’s Ministry of Defense, who met with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler and senior officials. The agreement focuses on enhancing the Libyan army’s professionalism and institutional development through expanded collaboration with the Turkish military.

Tripoli described the partnership as a strategic priority and part of its broader plan to modernize the armed forces. Al-Zoubi praised Turkiye’s ongoing support, which has been critical to the internationally recognized government’s survival since Libya’s civil conflict escalated in 2019.

Turkiye has played a central role in propping up the Tripoli-based government, deploying military advisors and drones in past confrontations with eastern forces aligned with rival leader Khalifa Haftar. The renewed deal signals sustained Turkish influence in Libya’s fragmented political and security landscape.

Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi, Libya’s undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense signs the agreement alongside his Turkish counterpart, Ankara, Turkey July 10,2025. Photo: Kuwait News Agency