Libya sees Turkey as key partner in energy push, targets 2mn bpd output

Libyan oil minister Khalifa Abdulsadek said Turkey could play a pivotal role in developing the oil and gas industry in his country, citing the country’s technical expertise and offshore fleet position ahead of Libya’s first energy licensing round in nearly 17 years, Anadolu Agency reported on January 27. 

“Turkey is a very important player in the energy equation,” the minister said, noting close cooperation with Turkish Petroleum Corporation. He added that Ankara has shown particular interest in offshore blocks, where Turkish companies have strong capabilities in seismic surveys and drilling.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Libya Energy and Economic Summit (LEES 2026) in Tripoli, Abdulsadek said Libya aims to raise its oil production to 1.6mn barrels per day (bpd) by the end of 2026 and to 2mn bpd in the following years.

The summit saw the signing of major energy agreements with expected revenues exceeding $376bn and broad international participation.

Libya, he said, expects to sign a second memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Turkey focused on seismic exploration, building on an MoU signed in June 2025 between the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and TPAO. The areas covered by the agreement are believed to have high resource potential.

Abdulsadek explained that cooperation with Turkey spans the full oil and gas value chain, including natural gas projects that could, in time, support Europe’s energy security.

He elaborated that Libya’s investment environment is opening up, with opportunities in redeveloping existing fields, exploration, non-conventional resources, renewables, pipelines, petrochemicals and refineries. “The doors are wide open for Turkish companies to participate, build and operate across the sector,” he added.