The Great National Assembly of Turkey (Parliament) approved the draft presidential decree on the extension from January 2, 2024 for 24 months of the Mandate of Turkish military personnel in Libya.
The proposal was submitted by the President of Turkey for consideration by the parliament on the basis of an appeal of military assistance by the UN recognized Government Libya.
“Turkey continues to decisively support the protection of sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity of Libya, the establishment of a sustainable ceasefire in the country and efforts on a political dialogue that will ensure a national reconciliation,” the document says.
The draft document says that the risks and threats emanating from Libya for the entire region, including Turkey, are preserved.
It is noted that if attacks on the legal government of Libya are resumed, this will negatively affect the interests of Turkey both in the Mediterranean basin and in North Africa.
Turkish parliament for the first time allowed the sending of troops to Libya for a period of one year in January 2020. Subsequently, the mandate was extended for another 18 months – until July 2022, and then until January 2, 2024.
The Governments of Libya and Turkey on November 27, 2019 signed two memorandum of mutual understanding; One about military cooperation, and the other by the distinction between marine jurisdiction.