Can Malta’s diplomacy tip balance in Libya toward Turkey?
The diplomatic track ongoing between Turkey, Malta and Libya’s Tripoli government has sparked questions whether Valletta’s diplomatic support can serve as a much needed jumping point for Ankara to break the Libya stalemate, but the European country’s only focus in the talks seem to be limited with prevention of illegal immigration.
The latest surprise in Turkey's Libyan dossier has been Malta, an island state of some 316 square kilometers (122 square miles). After securing Malta’s support for Libya’s internationally recognized Tripoli government, Turkey is now hoping to use this cooperation to reach two major goals.
In getting Malta, the smallest country in the European Union, on board, Turkey is primarily aiming to stave off EU efforts led by France and Greece to block the Turkish moves in Libya.
Secondly, Turkey-Malta rapprochement may serve Ankara’s discreet quest to secure an airbase near Libya to counter a possible Egyptian military operation and expand its military operations in the war-torn country to break the deadlock over Sirte and al-Jufra.
Unable to provide steady air support from more than 1,500 kilometers (some 930 miles) away, Turkey needs to secure an airbase near or inside Libya. Despite its efforts to settle in al-Watiya airbase, which was seized by Turkish-backed Libyan forces in early July, the base remains vulnerable.
