Military leaders from eastern and western Libya agree on four-track joint action plan

Military leaders from eastern and western Libya concluded their first joint meeting in Sirte on Wednesday, with the chiefs of staff of the air force, navy and air defense agreeing on a four-track joint action plan covering joint exercises, armament cooperation, logistics, and military training and education.

The meeting is part of efforts to advance the unification of Libya’s military institution, strengthen state sovereignty and safeguard the country’s resources.

It followed up on the outcomes of a meeting between the chiefs of general staff in eastern and western Libya, Khaled Haftar and Salah Al-Namroush, hosted by Angola last June, and built on the conclusions of a previous Sirte meeting held on July 12, which stressed the importance of regular high-level meetings between the various military chiefs of staff and general departments.

The military chiefs emphasized the importance of such meetings, saying discussions focused on ways to strengthen cooperation and integration across various military fields, particularly issues related to reinforcing state sovereignty.

The participants agreed on a joint work program, with each branch of the military tasked with preparing its own implementation plan for the agreed tracks.

The first track involves coordination on joint military exercises and maneuvers, as well as tactical projects aimed at improving operational performance. The second focuses on cooperation in armament, upgrading weapons and equipment, exchanging expertise and making use of capabilities available across the different forces.

The third track covers logistical coordination, including the exchange of spare parts and securing necessary military supplies. The fourth provides for the exchange of expertise and coordination on military training and qualification through educational institutions, including military colleges and specialized schools.

The participants also agreed to continue coordination meetings involving other bodies, departments and military branches in the coming period to implement the agreements reached.

Sirte is expected to host further meetings involving other departments, bodies and military chiefs of staff as part of efforts to strengthen coordination and cooperation among the components of Libya’s military institution.

The General Staff of the Libyan Army in Tripoli described the meetings as a pivotal step toward unifying the military institution, saying they would help build trust among military leaders, overcome obstacles and advance efforts to establish a unified and professional military institution capable of protecting Libya and safeguarding its security and stability.