The Turkish Defense Minister Hulusi Akar held a meeting on Tuesday with Libya’s Head of High Council of State Khalid Al-Mishri, saying Turkey will continue to stand by the Government of National Accord.

A statement by the defense ministry said Tuesday that Akar and Al-Mashri had exchanged views regarding the latest developments in Libya as Akar underlined in the meeting the brotherly ties between the two countries that span 500 years.

“Turkey will continue to provide education and counseling to its Libyan brothers in the fields of military and security,” the statement added.

Akar also told Al-Mishri that Turkey stands beside the legitimate Libyan government, which is recognized as such by the United Nations, saying Turkey will continue to make efforts for stability in the region.

Akar added that Turkey acts according to the principle of “Libya belongs to Libyans," adding that Ankara will continue its efforts for a stable, independent and sovereign Libya.