Tazeen Akhtar
Libya is in the focus of some countries that are busy in establishing and maintaining the relations and cooperation with both sides of this Northern African Oil Rich State bifurcated adminstration wise in two parts, Western (Tripoli) Eastern (Tobruk). USA , Turkiye were already active in this regard while Pakistan jumped in only a week ago hosting General Haftar’s son Lt Gen Saddam Haftar with a big military delegation.
The difference between the two rivals of Libya for Pakistan and other countries is The Government of National Unity based in Tripoli enjoys international recognition but the Tobruk Regime is self styled gov of Eastern Libya established with the support of rebels of Libyan national army and other militias.
Pakistan as well as other countries do not have recognized it neither have established diplomatic relations by opening embassies there. That is why Pakistani ambassador to Tripoli was summoned at Foreign Ministry to explain for unusual, unexpected, sudden and uncalled for visit of Eastern Libyan military delegation.
Interestingly Turkiye and Pakistan call themselves “Two States One Nation”. Turkiye is walking with both groups of Libya with not only economic cooperation but defense deals as well. It is known fact that Tobruk has been fighting and attacking Tripoli to gain controll of the whole of this civil war riddon country since last one decade.
Turkiye when faces objections on this “unique” diplomacy, covers it as an effort to build consensus among the rivals of Libya , enhancing unity and restorating peace but how it is possible to provide military assistance and weapons to both rivals who are at daggers drawn. This is the million dollar question that seeks answer from Ankara.
Turkiyes confidence in having military cooperation with both rivals of Libya can be seen in the presence of the representatives of both Libyans at IDEF Istanbul ongoing from 22 to 27 July.
General Haftar ;Turkey’s Defence Minister, Yaşar Güler, met on 22 July in Istanbul with Saddam Haftar, the head of the so-called ground forces loyal to Khalifa Haftar in eastern Libya. The bilateral talks took place on the sidelines of the IDEF 2025 defence industry exhibition. This marks the third meeting between Güler and Saddam Haftar since October 2024, reflecting a gradual warming of ties between Turkey and eastern Libya.
GNU General ; Libya’s military intelligence chief has held talks with senior Turkish military leaders to expand cooperation in defence and security. Major General Mahmoud Hamza met with Turkish officials on the sidelines of the International Defence Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul
According to the Libyan government’s official platform Hokumatuna, the meetings included Turkish Chief of General Staff General Metin Gürak, Chief of Military Intelligence General Kadioglu, and senior officials from the Turkish Defence Industries Authority. Executives from several major Turkish defence companies also took part in the talks
Discussions focused on enhancing bilateral defence ties, sharing expertise, and exploring ways to support joint projects within the broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
Turkiye has a cooperation with The Ministry of Defense of the Government of National Unity as part of the ministry’s institutional development program. Moreover , recently Turkiye’s defense ministry has signed a cooperation agreement with its GNU counterpart aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Libyan army.
The agreement was signed during a visit by Deputy Minister Abdel-Salam Zoubi to the Turkish capital, Ankara, where he met with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and the Turkish Deputy Defense Minister, in a bid to boost military cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement includes provisions for cooperation in advanced military training, exchange of expertise, and technical and logistical support, with the goal of improving the readiness and professional competence of Libyan army personnel.
Following the signing, Zoubi stated that the agreement is part of the Defense Ministry’s plan to train and develop the Libyan military, praising the strategic relationship between Libya and Turkiye in this field, whereas the Turkish side reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Libya in building its defense capabilities, reflecting the depth of the partnership between the two countries.
Turkiye is boarding two boats at one time to reach to the maximum potential benefits in Libya , leaving aside the diplomatic and international norms. Turkiye’s economy faced challenges in previous years and this can be one reason to exploit both rivals through all means by signing any deal with any of the party. Here another question for Ankara is, “Can you cross the Mediterranian by boarding two boats at one time?
Pakistan is now following Turkiye , two states one nation, in the same way and without any homework on how far Pakistan can go with a non recognized, occupant type, rebellion forces in a brotherly country. Pakistan has assumed the presidency of United Nations Security Council for this year. UN recognizes GNU only. Have Pakistani military and civil leaders had this in their minds when they were welcoming Saddam Haftar and his big military delegation?
Analyst Jalel Harchaoui, focusing on Libya rightly mentioned recently , “Turkiye is supplying weapons to the Haftars and offers training for their soliders. Turkish companies are being facilitated to have contracts of rebuilding of Eastern Libya. Haftar’s are looking forward to move forward in West Libya with Turkish support. Haftars humiliate Greece only to demonstrate their alignment with Ankara. Haftars expect more gifts from Turkiye in this cheap way.”
USA and Libyan Rivals
USA like Turkiye is on the same mission ! Seeking business from both sides ! Satsfying the questions with unity and peace in Libya ! Masad Boulos, senior advisor to US President Donald Trump on Africa has confirmed the signing of a $235 million infrastructure agreement between Libya’s Mellitah Oil and Gas Company and American firm Hill International. He diplomatically described the deal as a significant step to support Libya’s energy infrastructure during a ceremony at the National Oil Corporation (NOC) headquarters in Tripoli on 23 July.
Libyan government team presented a detailed proposal outlining strategic economic partnership opportunities worth approximately $70 billion. These include ready-to-launch projects in the sectors of energy, minerals, electricity, infrastructure, and telecommunications, providing a structured and direct pathway for US investment in the Libyan market.
Massad Boulous, visited General Command headquarters in Rajma near Benghazi, with Khalifa Haftar. The two sides discussed the latest developments in Libya and the broader region, and explored prospects for bilateral cooperation between Libya and the United States. The talks focused on economic and industrial fields as key areas for joint efforts aimed at supporting stability and sustainable development.
