Egypt slaps Erdogan in Libya

A delegation from the Egyptian Foreign Ministry paid a visit to Tripoli on Dec. 28, holding five high-profile meetings with the top political and military officials of the Government of National Accord, including Foreign Minister Mohamed Siala.

The recent Egyptian diplomatic efforts have revealed the vulnerabilities of Ankara’s approach to Libya. The newly initiated talks between Egypt and Libya’s Government of National Accord, which include plans for the reopening of the Egyptian diplomatic mission in Tripoli and resumption of mutual flights, have the potential to spoil Ankara's gains in the Libyan conflict.

The Tripoli visit marks a new page in ties between Cairo and the Government of National Accord. The delegation’s schedule was also remarkable as it included a meeting with Interior Minister Fateh Bashagha, who, despite meeting with Egyptian officials this week, is known for his close ties with Ankara. Bashagha presented the delegation a painting by a Libyan artist.

By possibly helping create a new balance of power on the ground, the move stands out as a success on Egypt’s part. By establishing ties with the Tripoli government without severing its ties with forces in Benghazi and Tobruk, Cairo is making an intimidating entrance into an arena where Turkey has been trying to entrench its political, military and financial influence and forcing the Government of National Accord factions to take Cairo into consideration in their future decisions.

Flourishing ties between Egypt and the Government of National Accord also complicate Turkey’s efforts to secure its gains in the Libyan field, including the maritime demarcation deal with the Government of National Accord in November 2019. The accord, which became a mainstay of the Turkish claims in the eastern Mediterranean, remains without parliamentary ratification.