Egypt’s Army Chief, Lieutenant General Ahmed Khalifa, recently held a high-level meeting with Khaled Haftar, Chief of Staff of Libya’s eastern forces, in a move aimed at deepening military and security cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The meeting took place at Egypt’s Ministry of Defense headquarters in Cairo, where both delegations were welcomed with full ceremonial honors, including the playing of national anthems and a formal inspection of the guard. This diplomatic gesture underscored the significance of the engagement and the shared intent to strengthen bilateral ties in the face of regional instability.
The discussions centered on enhancing coordination to address mutual security concerns, particularly those stemming from cross-border threats, terrorism, and the fragile political landscape in Libya. Lieutenant General Khalifa emphasized the historic and strategic relationship between Egypt and Libya, noting that regional peace and stability depend on unified efforts and sustained collaboration. Khaled Haftar echoed these sentiments, expressing optimism about the potential for deeper integration between the two armed forces and reaffirming Libya’s commitment to working closely with Egypt to restore order and security across Libyan territory.
Senior military officials from both sides attended the meeting, signaling a renewed commitment to strategic partnership and operational synergy. The dialogue also touched on joint training initiatives, intelligence sharing, and logistical support, all aimed at building a more resilient and responsive security framework. As Libya continues to navigate its complex post-conflict recovery, Egypt’s involvement is seen as pivotal in supporting institutional rebuilding and counterterrorism efforts.
This meeting marks a notable step in Egypt’s broader regional strategy to stabilize its western border and play a constructive role in Libya’s security architecture. It reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy, where military cooperation serves as a foundation for broader political and economic engagement. As both nations face evolving challenges, their alignment on defense matters could pave the way for more comprehensive collaboration in the future, reinforcing their roles as key actors in North African security.