Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and US President Donald Trump have agreed in a phone call to work more closely in Libya to ensure lasting stability in the country, the Turkish presidency said on Tuesday.
Turkey supports the internationally recognized Government of National Accord in Libya, which is fighting against the militias of Khalifa Haftar, backed by the United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Russia.
Turkey has always said that the US should play a more active and engaging role in Libya, especially after the Russian Wagner Group mercenaries have been helping Haftar’s militias secure a foothold in the country’s oil crescent region.
The White House also confirmed the phone talk, saying: “President Trump and President Erdogan discussed positive trade issues between the United States and Turkey and underscored our belief in the need for a negotiated settlement of regional issues,” according to White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere on Twitter.
