Turkey backs Libya’s legitimate government

Turkey cannot stay silent against "mercenaries" like the Russian-backed Wagner that work for Tobruk-based General Khalifa Haftar forces in Libya, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said.

Speaking to reporters in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, Erdoğan reiterated Turkey's support for the United Nations-backed Government of National Accord (GNA) under the leadership of Prime Minister Mustafa Fayez al-Sarraj.

Erdoğan was in Kuala Lumpur to attend a summit of Muslim world leaders, including Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and the host, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

"You know, Haftar is not a legitimate politician; the man is illegitimate. There are those attempting to grant him legitimacy. On the other hand, [al-] Sarraj is a legitimate leader. They also attempt to ignore him," Erdoğan said.

The countries that ignore al-Sarraj include Egypt, Abu Dhabi, France and "even" Italy, according to the president.

"Now, unfortunately, there is a group Russia created, even though it is not present itself. You sure know that the United States has many similar groups, like the one in Afghanistan, formed by former soldiers," he said.

Erdoğan added that the said soldiers in Afghanistan are being paid high prices in exchange for "illegitimately" carrying out the war in Afghanistan.

"Through the group named Wagner, they are literally working as Haftar's mercenaries in Libya. It is obvious who is paying them," he said.

Turkey will "of course" not remain silent in such a situation, he underlined.

"Up until this point, we have done everything in our power and will continue to do so," Erdoğan said.

When asked if cooperation possibilities or joint moves...