Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has said the time had come to reunify Libya's rival eastern and western administrations, hinting at an announcement on the issue in the near future.
Turkey strongly backed the UN-recognised government in Tripoli during Libya's years of conflict, but ties with authorities in eastern Libya have warmed significantly in recent years after years of hostility.
"We have now reached a stage where the conditions are ripe to permanently secure the reunification of the east and the west," Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan told journalists.
"Both sides have military structures. These structures need to be brought together under a national army," he added.
Fidan was speaking after hosting his counterparts from Europe and regional countries, including Egypt, in Istanbul.
"One of the most important pillars of national unification is how the military units currently controlled separately by both sides will be brought together under a single umbrella," Fidan added.
"God willing, you will soon hear very good news about this from Turkey."
Libya's eastern-based parliament on Tuesday approved a maritime demarcation deal with Turkey, years after having rejected it when it was first signed.
The deal was criticised this week by the European Union including Italy and Greece. Egypt has also objected, saying it infringes on its rights in the Mediterranean.
"As Turkey, we are in a very constructive position on this matter," said Fidan.
"Turkey, Italy, and Egypt can come together to discuss Egypt's concerns and Libya's concerns."
Later Friday, Turkish Defence Minister Yaser Guler announced an agreement with Egypt on the question.
"We are ready to sign an agreement with Egypt on the delimitation of maritime jurisdiction areas," he told Star TV.
Report by AFP