Turkey has moved swiftly following the ratification of the maritime MoU, hosting a high-level meeting with the aim of concluding a military unification agreement.
On 23 October, during diplomatic engagements in Istanbul, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasized that sincere, Libyan-led dialogue remains the sole viable pathway to achieving a permanent resolution to the crisis in Libya. He underscored the importance of establishing mediation as a cornerstone of political strategy through sustained engagement and regional ownership, as this fosters trust and bolsters regional and international stability. Fidan stated that conditions are ripe for Libya’s reunification and noted that ongoing efforts to merge eastern and western military structures under a single national army could soon yield positive results.
On 23 – 24 October, Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler hosted talks in Ankara between Government of National Unity (GNU) Ministry of Defense Undersecretary for Regions and Military Affairs Lieutenant General Abdussalam Zoubi and Libyan National Army (LNA) Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar.
Zoubi and Saddam Haftar reportedly agreed on Sirte as the headquarters of a joint military command but remained divided over its powers and political oversight. The central dispute concerned who would control the unified military and whether military restructuring should precede a political settlement. Zoubi favoured Defense Ministry oversight and separate political negotiations; Saddam reportedly preferred Presidential Council authority and sought its chairmanship for himself as part of a deal involving abolition of Khalifa Haftar’s General Commander position.
The talks ended without an agreement. Further consultations are envisaged.