Cairo Conference Condemns Turkey's Interference in Libyan Affairs

On January 8, a meeting regarding Libya was held in Cairo among the foreign ministers of Egypt, Greece, Cyprus, France, and Italy. At the end of the meeting, the foreign ministers held a joint press conference, during which a joint statement was also signed. According to a Turkish source, the Italian foreign minister did not participate in the press conference and the signing of the statement because he met with Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu the day before, reports ermenihaber.am.

Several Turkish sources have claimed that the meeting of the five countries’ foreign ministers had an anti-Turkish character. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated that Turkey continues to support extremists in Libya and added that efforts should be made to form a unified stance among the international community regarding Libya.

He emphasized that the international community must stop Turkey's support for extremist groups in Libya. The French foreign minister also noted that Turkey's involvement in Libya provides an opportunity for it to deepen gas exploration in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulides highlighted that Turkey's interference in Libya threatens the stability of the region. Meanwhile, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias pointed out that the agreements between Turkey and the head of Libya's Government of National Accord, Fayez al-Sarraj, endanger peace and security in the Mediterranean Sea.