The Libyan Interior Minister Fathi Bashagha met Monday with the Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar and Maltese Interior Minister Byron Camilleri in Ankara to discuss cooperation, developments in Libya and stability in the Mediterranean.
Bashagha said in a joint press conference with the Turkish and Maltese officials that the tripartite meeting aimed at boosting cooperation among the three countries in fighting illegal immigration, organized crime, fighting terrorism, and improving security capabilities.
The Libyan Interior Minister indicated that Libya’s stability is an essential part of the cooperation between the Government of National Accord (GNA) and Turkey for a united Libya, adding that the GNA is looking forward to holding dialogue with all Libyans, but it still rejects the military coup project.
Bashagha remarked that Khalifa Haftar and his backers had launched a military operation aimed at destroying Libya and killing Libyans as well as destabilizing the entire region.
Turkish Defense Minister said they held a highly positive, productive and constructive meeting, discussing issues such as the fight against trafficking, illegal immigration, regional security, and peace.
"Our military training, cooperation, and consultancy activities continue in Libya. Turkey's approach to the war-torn country is based on the principle of (Libya belongs to the Libyans.)" Akar indicated.
He said that everyone should know that Turkey always stands by the "Libyan brothers," adding that Ankara's goal is that Libya lives in peace, tranquility, and security.
"We do know that the biggest obstacle to this goal is the putschist Haftar," Akar said, urging the immediate halt to all aid and support for the warlord and his forces.
