Turkish lawmakers to consider enhanced military support for Libya

The Turkish Parliament will consider a deal that seeks to sell defence equipment to the Libyan Armed Forces.

The bilateral deal was sent for parliament to discuss and approve the deal to provide military assistance to Libya.

The deal includes provisions for the deployment of a quick response force, if the Libyan Government places a request to that effect.

In addition, the sale could allow the Libyan Armed Forces to procure weapons and military vehicles for use in ground, air and naval operations.

Turkey recently signed an agreement with Libya’s internationally recognised Government of National Accord (GNA) for expanded cooperation in military and security.

Through the agreement, the government has presented its stance of sending military forces to support military and police operations in Libya. The agreement also entails enhanced cooperation in intelligence.

The GNA is facing threat from the General Khalifa Haftar-led military group, which is based in eastern Libya.

The military agreement has sparked fresh tensions in the Mediterranean region.

Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA) is backed by Egypt and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Turkey Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu was quoted by Reuters as saying: “Parliament will enter it into force after approval.”

The two governments also signed a memorandum on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. The agreement was condemned by the Government of Greece as a violation of international law.