The Turkish parliament is set to discuss a draft law on ratifying a memorandum of understanding on law enforcement cooperation between the Turkish government and Libya's outgoing Unity Government. The memorandum, which was signed on November 8, 2026, aims to regulate cooperation in combating crimes and planning, coordinating, and implementing training activities for law enforcement agencies in both countries. The draft law is scheduled to be discussed in a parliamentary session on November 12, 2026.
The memorandum on law enforcement cooperation was submitted to the Turkish parliament on March 25, 2025, and was approved by the Foreign Affairs Committee on October 16, 2025. The agreement includes provisions for cooperation in areas such as combating terrorism, organized crime, and human trafficking. It also provides for the exchange of information and expertise between Turkish and Libyan law enforcement agencies.
In addition to the law enforcement cooperation agreement, another memorandum of understanding was signed between Turkey and Libya's Unity Government in Antalya on March 1, 2024. This agreement relates to the status of Turkish forces in Libya and includes provisions on the rules governing their presence, movement, and activities in the country. The agreement has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the legal and logistical implications of Turkish military presence in Libya.
The agreement on the status of Turkish forces in Libya consists of 24 articles and covers issues such as the use of facilities and properties, movement of vehicles, and provision of services and supplies. It also addresses financial and legal aspects related to the tasks of Turkish forces in Libya. One of the contentious provisions is Article 11, which grants Turkish authorities jurisdiction over crimes committed by Turkish personnel during official duties.
The agreement on the status of Turkish forces also includes logistical and financial commitments from the Libyan government. For example, it requires the Libyan government to provide fuel and other logistical needs for Turkish vehicles free of charge. Additionally, the agreement allows Turkish forces to conclude contracts with Libyan contractors to provide necessary goods and services, with the Libyan government bearing the costs.
The agreement also grants Turkish forces exemptions from taxes and fees related to their activities in Libya. Furthermore, it requires the Libyan government to provide electricity, water, and internet services to Turkish forces free of charge. The agreement has raised concerns about the scope of Turkish military presence in Libya and the extent of the privileges and immunities granted to Turkish forces.
The discussion of the law enforcement cooperation agreement in the Turkish parliament is seen as a significant development in the security cooperation between Turkey and Libya's Unity Government. However, the agreement on the status of Turkish forces in Libya remains a contentious issue, with concerns about its implications for Libyan sovereignty and security. The Turkish parliament's review of the agreements is expected to shed more light on the nature of Turkey's security engagement with Libya.
Key points
- The Turkish parliament will discuss a draft law on ratifying a memorandum of understanding on law enforcement cooperation with Libya's outgoing Unity Government.
