Libya and Niger have signed a memorandum of understanding on military cooperation, marking a new step in strengthening bilateral relations and improving coordination on border security, irregular migration, and regional stability.
The agreement was signed during a meeting in Tripoli between Deputy Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity Salem Al-Zadma, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence Lieutenant General Abdul Salam Al-Zoubi, and Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine.
According to a statement by Libya’s Ministry of Defence, the talks focused on several issues of mutual concern, with border security and the fight against irregular migration at the top of the agenda. The two sides also discussed ways to expand cooperation between the relevant authorities in both countries.
The ministry said the memorandum of understanding would serve as a foundation for future military cooperation and joint work between Libya and Niger.
At the end of the meeting, the two sides agreed to update a contact point to begin direct coordination. They also agreed to activate the work of the Libyan-Nigerien Higher Committee, with the aim of strengthening strategic partnership, supporting development efforts, and promoting stability in the region.
The agreement comes during an official visit by Niger’s Prime Minister Ali Lamine Zeine to Libya. On Monday, he was received in Tripoli by Prime Minister Abdel-Hamid Dbaiba, where the two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations and broaden areas of cooperation between the two countries.
Their talks covered prospects for developing economic and investment partnerships, as well as supporting regional connectivity and infrastructure projects. Both sides said such cooperation could serve the interests of the Libyan and Nigerien peoples and create wider opportunities for development and integration.
The discussions also addressed several security and regional issues, including border protection, the fight against transnational organised crime, and the challenges linked to illegal migration. The two sides reviewed mechanisms to improve coordination between Libyan and Nigerien institutions in support of security and stability across the region.
The meeting also touched on opportunities to develop technical and institutional cooperation between the competent authorities in both countries. Both sides agreed to activate joint follow-up mechanisms for priority files and to open broader prospects for Libyan-Nigerien cooperation.
Libya and Niger share a long desert border, making security coordination a major issue for both countries. The latest talks reflect growing efforts to strengthen cooperation on border management, migration, development, and regional security.