Ground Forces Chief of Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, has reached an agreement with Admiral Enrico Credendino, Chief of Staff of the Italian Navy, to train Libyan naval units. The deal was made during a high-level meeting in Rome as part of Haftar’s official visit to Italy.
According to a statement by the General Command’s Military Media Division, the talks aimed to bolster cooperation between the Libyan and Italian navies. Both sides discussed strengthening joint efforts to enhance maritime security in the Mediterranean and combat regional threats.
The agreement includes the organisation of specialised training courses for select units of Libya’s naval forces. These courses aim to upgrade their capabilities and modernise operational practices for safeguarding Libya’s coastline and territorial waters.
The Rome meeting is part of a broader agenda pursued by Saddam Haftar during his official visit, which began on Wednesday. He has already held talks with several top Italian defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff General Luciano Portolano, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, and Defence Minister Guido Crosetto.
The discussions addressed illegal migration, joint military cooperation, and securing Libya’s southern and maritime borders. Italian officials reportedly expressed support for continued collaboration to stabilise Libya and enhance regional security.
The Libyan delegation’s visit reflects growing defence ties between Libya’s eastern-based leadership and Italy. The naval training agreement underscores Italy’s strategic interest in supporting Libyan security institutions, particularly in light of ongoing Mediterranean migration challenges and geopolitical instability.
