The Chief of General Staff of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Lieutenant General Khaled Haftar, held talks in Al-Rajma with Jeremy Berndt, the US Chargé d’Affaires to Libya.
The meeting, according to a statement from the LNA’s Military Information Division, focused on strengthening security and military cooperation between Libya and the United States. Both sides discussed mechanisms for joint coordination and stressed the importance of unifying Libya’s fragmented military institutions.
The talks highlighted the LNA’s ongoing efforts to present itself as a central force capable of maintaining security in eastern Libya, while seeking stronger engagement with Washington. The US envoy reiterated America’s support for stabilisation efforts and expressed interest in closer collaboration with Libyan security structures.
In addition to discussing bilateral security matters, Berndt congratulated Haftar on his recent appointment as Chief of Staff of the LNA. The gesture was framed by the LNA as a sign of recognition from the US of the leadership change within the Libyan army.
The meeting comes as international powers continue to emphasise the need for institutional unification, particularly within Libya’s divided armed forces. Analysts note that military fragmentation remains one of the most significant obstacles to holding national elections and advancing political reconciliation.
The LNA has sought to strengthen its international profile by engaging with foreign governments, including Egypt, Russia and the United States. The latest meeting with the US diplomat underscores Washington’s continued interest in maintaining dialogue with key players across Libya’s political and military spectrum.
