On Tuesday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar took part in the 16th edition of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference and the 7th edition of the Naval Defence & Maritime Security Exhibition (NAVDEX) in Abu Dhabi.
Upon his arrival, Haftar was received by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Presidential Court in the United Arab Emirates, Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, according to local reports.
The exhibitions kicked off with the participation of more than 1,350 companies, reported the United Arab Emirates’ state news agency WAM.
The five-day event is being held under the patronage of President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and in cooperation with the Ministry of Defence.
This year’s edition, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the launch of IDEX, is set to be the largest in the history of the event, attracting participants from all over the world to showcase the latest advancements in the international defence sector.
Earlier this month, Haftar received the UN Envoy to Libya, Abdoulaye Bathily to discuss the political, security, and social situation in Libya.
“We agreed that it is imperative that all parties engage constructively, and without delay, to establish a constitutional framework to facilitate free, fair, and transparent elections in 2023,” he tweeted.
Bathily encouraged Haftar to continue support for the 5+5 Joint Military Commission (JMC). As well as commending his commitment to back the implementation of the action plan for the withdrawal of all foreign forces, and mercenaries.
“This will contribute to sustainable peace and stability in Libya,” Bathily explained
The two agreed on the critical need to unify state institutions, including the military. As well as ensure national resources are managed transparently, for the benefit of all Libyans.
A week later, Haftar also received the Libyan Parliament-designated Prime Minister, Fathi Bashaga.
According to press reports, the two sides discussed the ongoing political process, and the Libyan government’s efforts to resolve the political crisis in the country.
This was the first meeting between the two since the Parliament appointed Bashagha on 10 February 2022.
