The Political Steering Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in Tripoli held a coordination meeting on Monday with a delegation from the Turkish Embassy. This meeting is part of ongoing preparations for Libya to host the upcoming Africa-Turkey Partnership Summit in 2026. The gathering is part of a series of preparatory sessions aimed at refining political and organizational tracks to ensure the success of this event.
The Political Steering Committee and its Mandate
The Libyan side was led by Al-Hassan Mohammed Rabha, Director of Asia and Australia Affairs and Chairman of the Political Steering Committee, which was established by a decree from Taher Al-Baour, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs. The committee is tasked with direct coordination with the Turkish side and the African Union Commission regarding all organizational details. The Turkish delegation was headed by Deputy Ambassador İlke Tanlay.
Discussion of Political and Organizational Arrangements
Discussions focused on reviewing joint action plans, including drafting the hosting agreement with the African Union, protocol arrangements, and mechanisms for issuing high-level invitations. Both parties emphasized the importance of integrating efforts according to a specific timeline to overcome any technical or organizational challenges that may arise later.
Media Coordination and Logistical Readiness
The meeting highlighted the need for close coordination between the Libyan Media Committee and relevant Turkish authorities to unify the media discourse. This ensures coverage that matches the summit’s importance and its economic and political goals, as media success is considered a fundamental pillar for highlighting the event’s outcomes to the international public.
Libya’s Regional and International Presence
Hosting this summit serves as a platform for cooperation between Africa and Turkey, and represents a strategic opportunity for Libya to demonstrate its capability in organizing major international events. It further reinforces Libya’s return as an active player and a reliable partner in global diplomacy.
Agreement on Continued Coordination
The two sides concluded the meeting by agreeing to intensify visits and coordination meetings in the coming months. The goal is to formulate a unified vision that ensures the summit yields practical results, broadening the horizons of cooperation between the African continent and the Republic of Turkey.