Photo: Field Marshal Khalifa Abu al-Qasim Haftar is welcomed by Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Yunus-Bek Yevkurov upon his arrival in Russia for an official visit Photo credit: © Russian Ministry of Defence / Libyan Arab Armed Forces Media Office.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces (LAAF), Field Marshal Khalifa Abu al-Qasim Haftar, paid an official visit to the Russian Federation on 26 September 2023 at the invitation of the Russian Government, highlighting the continuing defence dialogue between the two sides.
Upon his arrival in Russia, Field Marshal Haftar was officially received by Russian Deputy Minister of Defence Yunus-Bek Yevkurov, where a formal welcoming ceremony was held, including the playing of the national anthems of Libya and the Russian Federation.
According to the Libyan Armed Forces, the visit was aimed at strengthening bilateral military relations and discussing regional security developments. During his stay, Field Marshal Haftar held talks with senior Russian officials focusing on the latest developments in Libya, avenues for expanding defence cooperation, and issues of mutual strategic interest.
The visit formed part of the broader contacts maintained between the Libyan Arab Armed Forces and Russia, reflecting Moscow’s continued engagement with key actors involved in Libya’s security landscape. Defence cooperation, military coordination, and regional stability were among the principal topics discussed during the meetings.
The high-level visit underscored the importance both sides attach to maintaining close military-to-military relations amid evolving security challenges in North Africa and the wider Mediterranean region.
Leave a Reply