Libyan Army Chief Khalifa Haftar met with Russian Deputy Defense Minister Yunus-Bek Yevkurov in Benghazi to discuss bilateral relations and military and economic cooperation.
According to Russian news agency Sputnik, Haftar and Yevkurov focused on enhancing military and economic ties between Russia and Libya during their talks.
Yevkurov emphasized Russia’s commitment to developing the capabilities of the Libyan armed forces through training and efficiency improvement programs. He also highlighted cooperation in combating terrorism and extremism.
The visit by Deputy Defense Minister Yevkurov, accompanied by a high-level delegation, took place on Friday, underscoring the strengthening ties between the two nations.
Khalifa Haftar, the commander-in-chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), has been a prominent figure in Libya’s ongoing conflict.
Libya has been in turmoil since the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi.
The country is divided between rival administrations in the east and west, each supported by various militias and foreign governments.
Russia has been a significant player in Libya, providing support to Haftar’s LNA in the eastern part of the country. This support has included military aid and training, aimed at bolstering Haftar’s forces against the UN-recognized Government of National Unity (GNU) based in Tripoli.
The meeting between Haftar and Yevkurov comes at a time when Libya is striving for stability and looking to rebuild its economy and military infrastructure.
The collaboration with Russia is seen as a strategic move to enhance Libya’s military capabilities and foster economic recovery amidst ongoing internal conflicts and international interests.
This development also aligns with Russia’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the Middle East and North Africa, leveraging its military and economic partnerships to secure geopolitical advantages in the region.
