Turkish and Italian foreign ministers met in the capital Ankara to discuss regional issues, including Libya and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as bilateral relations.

After the meeting, Cavusoglu and Luigi Di Maio held a press conference.

“We are aware of the critical role Italy has played. We thank them. They played a balanced role,” Cavusoglu said. 

He said Italy, unlike some EU countries, has not taken sides with the putschist Khalifa Haftar in Libya.

“Italy has made sincere efforts for a cease-fire and political process,” he said.

Cavusoglu said Turkey would like to see Italy on other platforms about Libya and this request has been conveyed to Russia and other countries.

‘Italy wants sustainable cease-fire’

Di Maio said Italy wants a sustainable cease-fire in Libya.

“Libya should no longer be a security threat to Europe and Italy. For this, a political solution must be found,” he said. 

Referring to the territorial integrity of Libya, Di Maio said it should not be led to armed conflicts that will cause divisions in the country. 

“So the special representative of the UN secretary-general should be appointed as soon as possible,” he said.