Erdogan Pays Unwelcome Visit to Tunisia, Discuss Libya

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Tunisian counterpart Kais Saied discussed the conflict in neighboring Libya.

This came during a surprise visit paid by Erdogan to Tunis, earlier Wednesday, for talks with Saied.

Speaking in a joint press conference alongside Tunisian President, Erdogan told reporters that they have tackled steps for a ceasefire in Libya and a return to political dialogue.

He added that he believed Tunisia would have "valuable and constructive" contributions to establishing stability in Libya, affirming that a ceasefire must be reached as soon as possible.

Erdogan’s visit to Tunis came a month after Turkey and Libya's Government of National Accord (GNA). signed two separate Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs); one on maritime boundaries in the eastern Mediterranean and another on security and military cooperation.

The maritime and military agreements were condemned by the rival Libyan government in the east and the forces loyal to Commander Khalifa Haftar.

Unwelcomed guest

Erdogan's visit is the first by a head of state to Tunisia since the election of President Kais Saied in October, after Tunisian parliamentary elections.

It was widely rejected by Tunisians, a matter which reflected through blogs, and posts of politicians, followers, and political parties on social media platforms.

They believed that his visit is a continuation of the Turkish scheme to interfere in Libya’s affairs, consequently affecting the Libyan national security.

Tunisians received the Turkish president, carrying banners reading, “Erdogan is a thief”, and “children Killer”, in the light of Turkish military campaigns, which targeted innocent civilians in northern Syria.