On Saturday, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, Commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA), met with Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov in Moscow to discuss regional security developments and expand bilateral military cooperation.
The high-level talks focused on reinforcing the strategic relationship between Libya and Russia amid a shifting regional landscape and ongoing efforts to stabilize North Africa. The meeting is part of a broader push by both sides to enhance coordination on defense and security matters and to reaffirm shared interests in counterterrorism, defense modernization, and military training.
Haftar, for his part, welcomed Russia’s commitment to deepening strategic ties and its willingness to support the rebuilding of Libya’s defense capabilities. Discussions also included the future of joint military exercises, intelligence exchange, and the possibility of supplying military equipment and training support.
Minister Belousov expressed appreciation for Haftar’s role in promoting stability within Libya and his efforts to curb terrorism and restore security in areas under LNA control. He praised the Field Marshal’s leadership in preventing further deterioration of Libya’s internal situation and emphasized the importance of a strong Libyan military institution in ensuring regional balance.
Both parties emphasized the value of continued dialogue and cooperation in the face of growing regional volatility and the threat of transnational militant networks. The talks also reflected Moscow’s increasing diplomatic and military engagement in Libya and the wider Mediterranean region.
The meeting comes as part of Haftar’s broader diplomatic efforts to secure foreign partnerships that can assist in Libya’s reconstruction and ensure his forces maintain a prominent role in the country’s future security architecture.
