Libyan 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC) members along with a delegation from the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) held a meeting with Turkish Defense officials in the capital Ankara, Turkey’s Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday.

The statement said that the meeting took place upon the request of the 5+5 Libyan Joint Military Commission, which provided information on the Action Plan released in Geneva on October 8, 2021.

“Further steps to be taken about establishment of peace, stability and security in Libya were also discussed,” the statement added.

During the meeting, the two sides stressed historical ties and close relations between Turkey and Libya as well as the importance of continued contributions and efforts towards peace, welfare and stability in Libya

In the meantime, the member of the JMC, from the eastern region’s forces, Faraj Al-Sosa said they had asked Turkey to withdraw foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya and Ankara welcomed the move on the condition that the withdrawal would be done by all stakeholders at the same time.

Al-Sosa told Russian news agency, Sputnik, that the 5+5 JMC had held talks with the Turkish side, mostly Defense officials, regarding the implementation of the Berlin Conference conclusions and the ceasefire agreement, including the removal of foreign forces and mercenaries from Libya.

“We have also told the Turkish side that the roadmap obliges both parties to withdraw their forces and mercenaries to preserve the Libyan sovereignty.” He added.

He also indicated that the 5+5 JMC would travel to Moscow to discuss the withdrawal of mercenaries and foreign forces from Libya in support of the Security Council resolutions in a concurrent way under the supervision of the UN and local monitors.