Libya’s Ministry of Defense has signed a new defense cooperation agreement with Türkiye aimed at strengthening the Libyan army, marking another milestone in the deepening military ties between the two nations.

The agreement was formalized during a visit by Libyan Deputy Defense Minister Abdel-Salam Zoubi to Ankara, where he held talks with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Deputy Defense Minister Şuay Alpay.

The Libyan government announced the deal on its official Facebook page, stating that the agreement provides a framework for enhanced military collaboration. Key components include advanced military training, technical and logistical support, and expertise exchange to boost the readiness and professionalism of Libyan army personnel.

Deputy Minister Zoubi highlighted the agreement’s role in Libya’s broader strategy to restructure and modernize its armed forces. “This partnership with Türkiye is vital for rebuilding a capable and professional military institution,” he said, praising the strategic relationship between the two countries.

The Turkish Ministry of Defense reiterated its commitment to supporting Libya’s defense capabilities, emphasizing the importance of bilateral cooperation for regional security and stability.

This agreement builds on a history of defense collaboration between Libya and Türkiye. In 2019, Libya’s former Government of National Accord signed a military cooperation deal with Türkiye, enabling the deployment of Turkish military advisors and the launch of capacity-building programs. In 2022, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh signed two additional agreements with Türkiye, focusing on air force development, pilot training, border security, and combating organized crime.

The latest accord underscores Türkiye’s ongoing support for Libya’s security sector reforms and institutional development, reinforcing Ankara’s pivotal role in bolstering the Libyan army’s capabilities. (ILKHA)