Turkish, US presidents discuss Libya, economy over phone

By Mehmet Tosun

ANKARA (AA) - The Turkish and US presidents on Tuesday spoke over the phone to discuss developments in war-weary Libya as well as economic relations, Turkey's Communications Directorate said.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his American counterpart Donald Trump agreed to maintain coordination for permanent stability in Libya and achieve the trade target of $100 billion.

The White House also confirmed the phone talk.

"President Trump and President Erdogan discussed positive trade issues between the United States and Turkey and underscored our belief in the need for a negotiated settlement of regional issues," said White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere on Twitter.

Libya has been torn by civil war since the ouster of late ruler Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. Libya's new government was founded in 2015 under a UN-led agreement, but efforts for a long-term political settlement failed due to the military offensive by the warlord Khalifa Haftar’s forces.

The UN recognizes the Libyan government headed by Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj as the country's legitimate authority.

* Servet Gunerigok in Washington and Erdogan Cagatay Zontur from Ankara contributed to the story.