Today: Sunday, 28 April 2024 year

Merkel tells Erdogan withdrawing troops from Libya is key

Merkel tells Erdogan withdrawing troops from Libya is key

Angela Merkel had a video conversation with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The German Chancellor said that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Libya would be an “important signal” of support to the new interim government there.

Chancellor Merkel and President Erdogan agreed in a video call to support the interim Lybian government of Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibeh in its effort to stabilize the country. The top official could improve the supply situation for the population and in preparing elections by year-end, said Merkel.

However, Turkey continues to back the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord against the eastern-based Libyan National Army, which was supported by Egypt, France, Russia and the UAE.

With the new government, Lybia’s government is completing a relatively smooth transition of power after a decade of violent chaos. In her remarks, Ms Merkel told Erdogan that an early start of the withdrawal of foreign soldiers and mercenaries would send an important signal to the international fora.

The German Chancellor and Turkish President also discussed international efforts to cope with the covid-19 pandemic as well as regional issues such as the civil war in Syria and negotiations about the Cyprus problem.