In a move aimed at bolstering regional stability and deepening bilateral cooperation, senior Libyan defence officials have held a high-level meeting with representatives from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) to discuss ways to enhance security collaboration, counterterrorism efforts, and border management. The talks, held on Monday in Tripoli, mark a renewed commitment between both nations to strengthen security partnerships and promote peace in North Africa.
The Libyan delegation was led by Deputy Defence Minister Abdulsalam Al-Zoubi and Military Intelligence Director Major General Mahmoud Hamza, while the US team was headed by AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan and US Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt. The discussions took place under the framework of the Government of National Unity’s “Hakomitna” platform, which confirmed that the meeting focused on counterterrorism operations, border protection, and addressing irregular migration challenges that continue to pose security risks in the region.
According to official statements, both sides agreed on the importance of a coordinated approach to combat terrorism and transnational crime, including the smuggling of weapons, drugs, and human trafficking. The United States reaffirmed its support for Libya’s efforts to restore stability, strengthen the rule of law, and modernize its defence institutions.
During the meeting, Lieutenant General Brennan emphasized Washington’s commitment to maintaining close security cooperation with Libya and to supporting ongoing reforms within the Libyan armed forces. He highlighted that a stable Libya is vital to ensuring peace not only within North Africa but across the wider Mediterranean and Sahel regions.
In a separate engagement, Libyan Army Chief of Staff General Mohamed Al-Haddad also met with the US delegation to discuss ways to expand joint military training programs and capacity-building initiatives. The proposed programs aim to enhance the operational readiness and professionalism of the Libyan military, improve intelligence-sharing capabilities, and foster closer coordination in counterterrorism missions.
General Al-Haddad underscored Libya’s commitment to building a unified, professional national army that operates under civilian oversight and contributes to safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He welcomed the renewed partnership with the United States as a positive step toward strengthening Libya’s defence infrastructure after years of internal division and conflict.
The meeting comes at a crucial time for Libya, which continues to face complex security challenges stemming from years of political instability and armed conflict. With vast desert borders, porous frontiers, and active smuggling networks, Libya remains vulnerable to infiltration by extremist groups and criminal organizations. As such, cooperation with AFRICOM and other international partners is seen as essential to stabilizing the country and rebuilding its defence institutions.
The United States has maintained a longstanding relationship with Libya on matters of security cooperation, counterterrorism, and crisis response, and recent diplomatic engagements signal Washington’s intention to play a more active role in supporting Libya’s post-conflict recovery.
Observers note that these renewed discussions reflect a growing recognition by both sides that sustainable peace and development in Libya depend on a strong and coordinated security framework. By investing in defence modernization, intelligence-sharing, and joint operations, both nations aim to create a more secure and stable environment that supports governance, economic growth, and regional integration.
The meetings in Tripoli are expected to pave the way for future strategic engagements and formal agreements on military collaboration, setting the tone for deeper partnerships between Libya and the United States in the months ahead.
Leave a comment