ISLAMABAD: Libyan National Army Commander Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar met with Pakistan’s Chief of Defense Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir in Rawalpindi and discussed with him military cooperation and regional security, the Pakistani military said on Monday.
The meeting takes place after Munir’s visit to Libya in December that was followed by reports suggesting Pakistan had struck a $4 billion defense deal to sell military equipment, including JF-17 fighter jets and Super Mushak trainer aircraft, to the Libyan National Army that controls eastern Libya. There has been no official confirmation of the deal so far.
Haftar and Prime Minister Dr. Osama Saad Hammad, who governs eastern Libya, called on Field Marshal Munir at Pakistan Army’s General Headquarters in Rawalpindi, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing.
“During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on security dynamics in respective regions and professional cooperation,” the ISPR said in a statement.
“The discussion underscored the importance of continued engagement and collaboration between the Armed Forces of Pakistan and Libya.”
Libya has been subject to a UN arms embargo since 2011, requiring approval from the UN for transfers of weapons and related material. It was not clear whether Pakistan or Libya had applied for any exemptions to the UN embargo.
During Monday’s meeting, Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Libya, reiterating his country’s support for peace, stability and institutional development in Libya, according to the ISPR.
“The meeting was held in a cordial and constructive atmosphere, reflecting the longstanding friendly relations between Pakistan and Libya,” the Pakistani military said.
