Khalifa Haftar Visits Turkish Naval Base, Seeks Cooperation

Libyan General Khalifa Haftar, Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army, visited the Turkish Naval Base in Golcuk on November 15, 2026. He was received by Turkish Rear Admiral Kadir Yildiz, Commander of the Golcuk Naval Base. During his visit, Haftar emphasized the importance of military cooperation between Libya and Turkey, including the exchange of expertise to enhance the capabilities of the Libyan Navy.

Haftar's visit is part of a series of recent high-level interactions between Libya and Turkey. On November 14, 2026, he visited the Turkish Air Force base in Eskisehir, where he was briefed on the latest military equipment and technology. He also met with Turkish General Erdogan Gur, Commander of the Eskisehir Air Base. On November 12, 2026, Haftar inspected the Turkish Special Forces headquarters.

The increasing interactions between Libya and Turkey come as the two countries seek to strengthen their bilateral relations. In October 2026, the Libyan Parliament ratified a maritime memorandum of understanding signed between the previous Libyan government and Turkey in 2019. This development has led to intensified contacts between Turkish officials and various Libyan parties.

Turkish Ambassador to Libya, Goven Bigich, met with Libyan General Salahuddin Nemrush, Chief of Staff of the Government of National Unity, on November 13, 2026. They discussed ways to enhance military relations between the two countries. Meanwhile, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) Commander, General Dagvin Anderson, visited Libya for the second time in a year, meeting with Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah and other senior officials.

General Anderson's visit focused on the ongoing efforts to unify Libya's military institutions. He met with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar's deputy, Field Marshal Sadam Haftar, in the city of Sirte, discussing progress in integrating military and security institutions. These developments reflect a renewed push for stability and security in Libya.

The interactions between Libya and Turkey are also seen as part of broader regional efforts to address the Libyan conflict. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Libyan Prime Minister Abdulhamid al-Dbeibah have agreed to enhance strategic cooperation and implement existing agreements. This includes cooperation in the military and security fields.

The developments in Libya's relations with Turkey and other countries have significant implications for regional stability. Libya has been embroiled in conflict since the 2011 uprising, with various factions vying for power. Recent efforts to unify the country's military and security institutions have raised hopes for a return to stability.

Key points

• Khalifa Haftar visits Turkish naval base to discuss military cooperation and exchange of expertise.
• Libyan-Turkish relations have intensified with recent high-level visits and agreements.
• Efforts to unify Libya's military institutions continue with international support.