German Chancellor Angela Merkel told Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday that the withdrawal of foreign troops from Libya would be an "important signal" as both leaders vowed to support the new interim government there, a German government spokesman said.
Libya's new Government of National Unity (GNU) was sworn in on March 15 from two warring administrations that had ruled eastern and western regions, completing a relatively smooth transition of power after a decade of violent chaos.
Turkey had backed the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord against the eastern-based Libyan National Army.
Merkel and Erdogan agreed in a video conference to support the GNU, headed by Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, in its efforts to improve the supply situation for the population and in preparing elections by year-end, the spokesman said.
"The Chancellor emphasized that an early start of the withdrawal of foreign soldiers and mercenaries would send an important signal," the spokesman added.
Merkel and Erdogan also discussed international efforts to contain the COVID-19 pandemic as well as regional issues such as the war in Syria and international talks about the Cyprus issue, the spokesman said.
"The Chancellor and the Turkish President emphasized that adequate access for humanitarian aid to the people in need in Syria must be maintained," the spokesman said.
