CDF Asim Munir, Libyan military leader discuss expanding defence cooperation

-- Pakistan, Libya reaffirm commitment to strengthening military ties and security collaboration

RAWALPINDI: Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday held talks with Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, to review bilateral defence relations and explore avenues for enhanced military cooperation.

According to a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the meeting took place at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi, where the visiting Libyan military leader was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour upon arrival.

During the meeting, both sides discussed a range of issues of mutual interest, including regional security developments, defence cooperation and prospects for expanding military-to-military engagement.

The two leaders underscored the importance of further strengthening bilateral defence relations and enhancing collaboration in areas such as military training, professional exchanges and security cooperation.

The discussions reflected the growing strategic engagement between Pakistan and Libya and the shared desire to deepen institutional ties between their armed forces.

Field Marshal Asim Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to promoting peace, stability and constructive engagement with friendly countries.

He highlighted the Pakistan Armed Forces’ role in supporting regional security and fostering defence partnerships based on mutual respect and shared interests.

According to the ISPR, the army chief emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation in addressing evolving security challenges and enhancing defence capabilities through collaboration and dialogue.

Lieutenant General Haftar commended the professionalism, operational competence and institutional strength of the Pakistan Armed Forces.

He acknowledged Pakistan’s contributions toward regional peace and security and expressed appreciation for the longstanding military relationship between the two countries.

The visiting dignitary also conveyed his desire to further strengthen defence cooperation and expand interaction between the armed forces of Pakistan and Libya.

The meeting marked the second interaction between the two military leaders in 2026.

Field Marshal Munir and Lieutenant General Haftar previously met in February, when they also reviewed regional security dynamics and explored opportunities for expanding bilateral defence collaboration.

During that engagement, the Pakistan military leadership reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening relations with Libya and highlighted the growing momentum in defence and security cooperation.

Pakistan and Libya have maintained cordial diplomatic and military relations for decades, with defence cooperation emerging as an increasingly important component of the bilateral partnership.

The relationship gained further significance following the conclusion of a major defence agreement in December last year, widely regarded as one of the largest international defence contracts secured by Pakistan’s defence industry.

The agreement was finalised after high-level military engagements between the leadership of the two countries and reflected growing confidence in Pakistan’s defence production capabilities and military expertise.

Observers view the continued exchange of high-level military delegations as evidence of deepening strategic ties between Islamabad and Tripoli.

Both countries have expressed interest in broadening cooperation across multiple sectors, particularly defence, security training, military technology and institutional capacity-building.

The latest meeting at GHQ reaffirmed the shared commitment of Pakistan and Libya to advancing defence collaboration, strengthening military partnerships and contributing to regional peace and stability through sustained engagement and cooperation.