Turkey strengthens its presence through multiple security partnerships
LIBYA – A study by the US research institute The Jamestown Foundation, titled “Türkiye Expands its Security Strategy in Libya”, has examined Ankara’s move to build relations with competing parties in the east and west and to shift from direct military intervention to a long-term security role, according to the foundation’s assessment.
Military cooperation, maritime agreements and economic engagement
The study — followed and summarised by Al-Marsad — said Turkey seeks to entrench its presence in Libya and the eastern Mediterranean through military cooperation, maritime agreements and economic engagement — an expansion it argues poses challenges for regional rivals and could affect US interests, European energy security and North African stability.
Building ties with both Libyan camps
It argued that establishing relations with both Libyan camps could give Ankara greater influence in any future political settlement or security arrangements, and that Turkish interests are not limited to dealing with Libya’s internal conflict but are tied to the country’s position between the Mediterranean, North Africa and the Sahel.
Libya’s location and energy reserves
It noted that Libya forms a gateway between Europe and Africa and holds some of the continent’s largest oil and gas reserves, regarding a strengthened long-term Turkish presence there as a pillar of Ankara’s ambitions in North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean.
Ambitions for bases and commercial hubs
The study said Turkey’s engagement in Libya is part of a broader drive to build a network of military bases and commercial hubs along strategic African sea lanes, and that Libyan ports, in this view, form an important node in maritime links stretching from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.
