Egyptian Defense Minister General Abdel Mageed Saqr and Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), met in Cairo on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to conduct a comprehensive review of bilateral military cooperation.
The high-level discussions focused on deepening strategic ties between the two armed forces, with a specific emphasis on joint military training, intelligence sharing, and the exchange of operational expertise. Both leaders underscored that these efforts are vital to enhancing the defense capabilities of both nations and ensuring a unified response to shared regional security challenges.
The visit included a separate session between Haftar and General Ahmed Khalifa, Chief of Staff of the Egyptian Armed Forces. General Khalifa praised the deep-seated historical bonds between the two military institutions, reaffirming Egypt’s steadfast commitment to supporting Libya’s security and territorial integrity. He emphasized that the “General Command” is dedicated to consolidating cooperation across various military fields, particularly in securing shared borders and combating the rise of irregular migration and smuggling networks that threaten the stability of the North African region.
For his part, Saddam Haftar conveyed the greetings of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar to the Egyptian leadership and expressed profound gratitude for Cairo’s consistent support. He commended Egypt’s pivotal role in promoting peace and its ongoing efforts to help the Libyan people preserve their national unity amidst a complex international landscape. The Libyan delegation highlighted that such engagements are not merely protocol but are part of a broader strategy to build a professional military institution capable of maintaining order and resisting external interference.
The meetings concluded with an agreement to maintain close coordination on evolving regional developments, particularly those impacting the Mediterranean and Sahel regions. By aligning their strategic visions, Egypt and Libya aim to create a more resilient security framework that can address the root causes of instability. Both sides reiterated their rejection of any military escalation or foreign presence that undermines Libyan sovereignty, signaling a clear message of Arab military solidarity to the international community as 2026 begins.
AK/Sf/fss/abj/APA