In the shadow of tensions in the Mediterranean, Erdogan came to Tunisia for a surprise visit

The Turkish president, who is making great efforts in signing agreements with offshore countries, is discussing the situation with the local president in Libya. Erdogan, who supports the government in Tripoli, is considering sending military forces to the country during worries about Russia

In the shadow of tensions in the Mediterranean, Erdogan came to Tunisia for a surprise visit

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived on Wednesday for a surprise visit to Tunisia, the first foreign leader to come to the country after the presidential election, which came to power in Case Said. The visit comes at a time of growing tension in the Mediterranean, with Ankara stepping up its efforts to sign agreements with countries that are in dispute with Greece over the resources of the divided Cyprus coast.

Erdogan, who is accompanied by his foreign and defense ministers, as well as his intelligence chief, spoke to Tunisia's president in a truce in Libya. Speaking to Said at a press conference, Erdogan said he believed Tunisia could contribute "in a valuable and constructive way" to achieving stability in Libya. He added that a ceasefire should be reached as soon as possible.

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First official visit. Erdogan and Tunisian president today (Photo: Reuters)

Turkish President Erdogan with Tunisia Said President, Tunisia December 25, 2019 (Photo: Reuters)

Last month, Turkey signed a maritime border agreement with the internationally recognized Libyan government in Tripoli, while angering Greece. In Athens, the deal is said to be in violation of international law, but Ankara says it aims to protect its rights in the region and fully comply with maritime law.

As part of its expanding cooperation with Libya, Tunisia's neighbor, Turkey has also signed a military agreement with the government in Tripoli, led by Prime Minister Faiz a-Siraj. Erdogan said Turkey may send troops to Tripoli to support a government fighting a suit-breaker general based in the east of the country. On Tuesday, Erdogan's spokesman said Turkey may have to draft a bill on the matter, adding that Parliament is working on it.

The possibility of Turkey sending troops to Libya also worries Russia, which supports Hefter, and according to various reports, also helps it with Russian mercenaries. According to a UN confidential report released to Reuters last month, Turkey has already sent military aid to the government in Tripoli despite a UN arms embargo.

Erdogan said today that some 5,000 militants from Sudan and Russia are participating in fighting in Libya, which has remained in chaos since tyrant Muammar Gaddafi was ousted in a civil war in 2011, as part of the "Arab Spring" events. He said the "Wagner Force," which operates Russian mercenaries, has nothing to do with Libya

(First Update: 14:46)

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