Turkish Foreign Minister: A Libyan-led dialogue is the only path to a lasting solution

Tripoli, October 23, 2026 (LANA) – Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan affirmed that a sincere, Libyan-led dialogue is the only way to reach a lasting solution to the crisis in Libya. Expressing hope that this could be achieved in the near future, he emphasized that such an approach would help maintain calm and pave the way toward a sustainable settlement.

In a speech delivered this Friday at the opening of the 9th Istanbul Mediation Conference, Fidan stated that Turkey’s efforts in Libya serve as an example of how trust can be built through mutual consent, confidence, and inclusivity—elements he underscored as essential for the success of any mediation process.

He explained that rebuilding trust is of critical importance to the success of mediation, noting that his country’s approach in this regard is founded upon the consent of the parties involved, mutual trust, and inclusivity.

The Turkish Foreign Minister warned that the persistence of opposing positions could cause disputes to escalate into violence, stressing the necessity of adopting a sincere dialogue as a means to address conflicts and arrive at permanent solutions.

Fidan emphasized that every conflict possesses its own unique circumstances, parties, and dynamics—factors that require a deep understanding, patience, and flexibility. He further asserted that resolving conflicts necessitates keeping channels of communication open and maintaining an ongoing dialogue among the parties concerned. He noted that Turkey is working to transform mediation from a mere diplomatic tool into a strategic approach by creating conditions that help conflicting parties reach solutions among themselves, thereby contributing to the enhancement of regional and international security and stability.

Fidan emphasized that directing efforts toward peace and prosperity requires a commitment to three fundamental principles: sincere dialogue, sustained mediation, and regional ownership—the latter meaning that the countries of a region should play a primary role in addressing their own crises and determining the solutions to them, without relying on external parties.

He pointed out that lasting solutions cannot be imposed from the outside, and that stability is not something that can be imported. He underscored the importance of the concerned parties participating in reaching settlements that are responsive to the specific circumstances and nuances of each conflict.

The Turkish Foreign Minister stressed that maintaining dialogue—even when progress is slow or negotiation processes are fragile—remains essential to keeping the prospects for a settlement alive. He noted that the practical gains achieved through mediation can serve as a foundation for reaching broader and more sustainable agreements.

Fidan concluded by highlighting the importance of making mediation a central pillar of political strategy—through sincere dialogue, sustained engagement, and regional ownership—thereby increasing the chances of resolving conflicts and supporting regional and international security and stability.

=Lana=