Turkey and Russia agreed on four points on the issue of Libya during the consultations held today in Ankara between delegations of the two countries, according to the Turkish Foreign Ministry. Moscow and Ankara have agreed to assess the possibility of setting up a Joint Working Group on Libya and to hold consultations soon in Moscow.

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In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said that “on January 8, 2020 Turkey and Russia launched an initiative in Istanbul to normalize the situation in Libya and prepare the ground for a political process.

According to the Turkish Foreign Minister, Turkey and Russia have expressed their belief that a solution to the Libyan crisis is not a military one. Rather, it can only be resolved through a political process facilitated by the UN under the leadership of the Libyans. They stressed the need to fight terrorist individuals and structures in Libya as defined by the UN Security Council. They reiterated their commitment to maintaining bilateral contacts in order to ensure security and stability in the country and to improve human conditions.

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The Turkish Foreign Minister states that as before Turkey and Russia have agreed to continue their joint efforts, including encouraging the parties in Libya, in order to create the conditions for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire in the country. Secondly, to ensure the continuation of the political dialogue between Libya in cooperation with the UN on the basis of the outcome of the Berlin Conference on Libya on 19 June 2020. Thirdly, to call on the parties to take steps to ensure access to humanitarian aid for everyone who needs it. Fourth, to consider setting up a Joint Working Group on Libya and holding consultations soon in Moscow.

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Source: CNA