Tripoli, January 4, 2026 – The Supreme Preparatory Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs held its first meeting today, Sunday, to prepare for Libya’s hosting of the fourth African-Turkish Partnership Summit.
The meeting discussed the general framework for preparing for the summit in terms of its political and diplomatic importance, considering it a pivotal milestone in the course of the African-Turkish Partnership and an opportunity to evaluate the outcomes of the third summit held in Istanbul in 2021, and to envision prospects for developing this path in the upcoming stage.
The meeting also reviewed the initial concept for the working mechanism of the Preparatory Committee, including political, substantive, and organizational aspects, while emphasizing the importance of early and systematic preparation, and coordination with relevant national bodies, as well as regional and international partners, to ensure the organization of a successful summit in terms of content and results.
It was emphasized that efforts must be intensified during the next stage, and work must be carried out in a spirit of teamwork, to achieve the highest degree of benefit for the State of Libya from hosting this important continental event.
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Tripoli
Tripoli is the capital and largest city of Libya, with a history dating back to the 7th century BC when it was founded by the Phoenicians. It later became a significant part of the Roman Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and an Italian colony, which is reflected in its diverse architecture, such as the ancient Medina and the Red Castle (Assai al-Hamra).
Libya
Libya is a North African country with a rich history rooted in ancient civilizations like the Phoenicians and Romans, followed by centuries of Arab and Ottoman influence. In the modern era, it was an Italian colony before gaining independence in 1951, later becoming known for Muammar Gaddafi’s lengthy rule from 1969 until the 2011 revolution.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is a government department responsible for managing a nation’s diplomatic relations and foreign policy. Its history is tied to the development of the modern state, with many countries establishing formal foreign ministries in the 18th and 19th centuries to conduct diplomacy and negotiate treaties.
African-Turkish Partnership Summit
The African-Turkish Partnership Summit is a diplomatic and economic forum designed to strengthen relations between Turkey and African nations. It was initiated under Turkey’s strategic policy of deepening engagement with the continent, with the first major summit held in Istanbul in 2008. These summits typically focus on enhancing cooperation in trade, investment, security, and development.
Istanbul
Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles the Bosphorus Strait, historically serving as the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires under the names Constantinople and Byzantium. Its rich history is visible in iconic sites like the Hagia Sophia, a former church and mosque, and the Topkapı Palace, the seat of Ottoman sultans for centuries.