Türkiye and Libya Sign Agreement on Mining, Energy, and Infrastructure Cooperation
Türkiye and Libya Sign Strategic Deal to Boost Cooperation in Mining, Energy, and Infrastructure
Türkiye and Libya signed a major agreement on Thursday to strengthen collaboration in the fields of mining, energy, and infrastructure. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was inked in Istanbul by key representatives from both countries, including Murtaza Karanfil, Chairman of the DEIK Türkiye-Libya Business Council, and Fouad Al-Awwam, CEO of Emaar Libya Holding Company.
The deal, supported by the Foreign Economic Relations Board of Türkiye (DEIK), the Libyan National Mining Corporation, Libya’s General Authority for Exhibitions and Conferences, and Emaar Libya Holding, aims to expand trade ties and increase joint investments—particularly in eastern and southern Libya, regions with vast untapped mineral resources.
Karanfil emphasized the historical depth of Türkiye-Libya relations and said the partnership with Emaar Holding, which oversees 30 companies across multiple sectors, will offer Turkish businesses a strategic edge in expanding their presence in Libya’s east.
He noted that Türkiye’s exports to Libya have held steady at $2.5 billion over the past decade due to instability, but this agreement marks a push to raise that number and explore new areas of cooperation, particularly in southern Libya where new mineral deposits have been discovered.
“We’ve requested detailed maps of the mines, especially in the south, and will work with Libya to prioritize areas for investment. Our goal is to bring Turkish mining companies into eastern Libya through direct B2B engagement,” Karanfil stated.
Currently, only six Turkish firms are registered with the Libya Mining Group. The DEIK chair said efforts will focus on increasing this number, especially in energy projects, as Libya plays a critical role as both a gateway to Africa and a bridge to global markets.
Fouad Al-Awwam praised Türkiye’s strength in both economic and energy sectors, saying, “As Emaar Holding, we are committed to signing agreements with Türkiye in these vital areas. We’re also working to establish a steady market for Turkish products in Libya and enhance distribution channels.”
The agreement is viewed as a key step toward rebuilding Libya’s infrastructure and revitalizing trade, while positioning Türkiye as a leading partner in the country’s reconstruction and resource development.
