Libya and Italy have concluded a high-level military cooperation meeting in Tripoli aimed at enhancing bilateral defence ties and building a more professional Libyan army, according to a statement issued on Saturday, June 21, 2025.
The Libyan-Italian Military Cooperation Committee held its first annual meeting for 2025 from June 16 to 21 in the Libyan capital, under the sponsorship of the Ministry of Defence of the Libyan Government of National Unity.
The discussions focused on advancing military collaboration between the two countries and reviewing joint training programs for the 2025/2026 period. The goal is to upgrade and professionalise Libyan military personnel across various branches and technical disciplines.
At the conclusion of the week-long sessions, both sides signed the official meeting protocol, which outlined the key agreements reached—covering training projects, capacity-building, and technical cooperation in the defence sector.
This renewed partnership underscores Italy’s ongoing support for Libya’s security stabilisation and institutional development, while reinforcing strategic ties between the two Mediterranean nations.
Libya has been in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi in 2011. The county has for years been split between rival administrations.
Libya’s economy, heavily reliant on oil, has suffered due to the ongoing conflict. The instability has led to fluctuations in oil production and prices, impacting the global oil market and Libya’s economy.
The conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Libya, with thousands of people killed, and many more displaced. Migrants and refugees using Libya as a transit point to Europe have also faced dire conditions.
The planned elections for December 2021 were delayed due to disagreements over election laws and the eligibility of certain candidates. This delay has raised concerns about the feasibility of a peaceful political transition.
Despite the ceasefire, security remains a significant concern with sporadic fighting and the presence of mercenaries and foreign fighters. The unification of the military and the removal of foreign forces are crucial challenges.
