Pakistani, Libyan military commanders discuss defense, counterterrorism cooperation

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – The eastern Libyan forces commander and Pakistani military chief have discussed enhancing defense ties, including collaboration in training, capacity building, and counterterrorism domains, an official statement said on Thursday.

Khalifa Haftar discussed this while hosting Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir in Benghazi, according to a statement from the Pakistan Army.

“Matters of mutual interest, regional security dynamics, and avenues for enhancing bilateral defense and military-to-military cooperation were discussed during the meeting,” said the statement.

It added that the two military leaders “underscored the importance of collaboration in training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism domains.”

Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s “commitment to strengthening defense ties with Libya, based on shared interests,” it said.

According to the Pakistani side, Haftar “expressed his desire to further expand defense cooperation between the two countries.”

Munir also met with Lt. Gen. Saddam Khalifa Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of eastern Libyan forces, who visited Pakistan early this year in July.