Libya’s new Government of National Unity (GNU) will continue to receive training and expertise from Ankara in line with the agreements struck with its predecessor, the Government of National Accord (GNA).
Government sources say this is expected to put an end to the entry of Syrian mercenaries into the country while the ones already present in Libya will be deported to Turkey.
Head of the GNU Abdulhamid Dbeibeh and new head of the Presidential Council Mohammed al-Menfi will visit Turkey to review agreements signed between Tripoli and Ankara, as well as discuss the fate of mercenaries aligned with the GNA.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan noted that the sovereignty, independence and unity of “sisterly Libya” are fundamental for Turkey and Ankara will continue to provide all forms of necessary support to Libya, stressing the need to bolster and expand cooperation.
On the side, Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio paid an unexpected visit to Tripoli on Sunday, the first by a European official since the formation of the GNU.
He held unplanned talks with Dbeibeh, Menfi and his counterpart Najla el-Mangoush During his surprise visit.
He underscored Rome’s support for Libya in all fields and its efforts to unify its sovereign state institutions. This is evident in the increase in Italy’s diplomatic representation in Libya.