Morocco Hosts Libyan Eastern Forces Chief for Official Defence Talks in Rabat
Published By Arab Hub Post Staff
Official Visit and Military Talks
According to the report, Morocco’s military leadership welcomed Khaled Haftar, the chief of staff of Libya’s eastern-based forces, for an official visit to Rabat, signalling an expansion of defence ties with one of Libya’s principal power hubs amid ongoing attempts to unify the country’s split armed forces.
He met Mohammed Berrid, inspector general of the Royal Armed Forces and commander of the southern military zone, at the Rabat military headquarters on Monday, after arriving on Sunday at the head of a senior delegation. The visit, carried out under the instructions of King Mohammed VI, is scheduled to continue until 15 October.
Background on Libyan Forces
Khaled Haftar holds the position of chief of staff in the eastern-based Libyan National Army, which is led by his father, Khalifa Haftar. Those forces control eastern Libya and extensive areas of the south, while the country remains split between eastern rival administrations and the internationally recognised Government of National Unity based in Tripoli.
Previous Engagements and Diplomatic Role
The Rabat meeting follows earlier discussions between Haftar and Berrid in Luanda, Angola, about three months prior, where they exchanged views on military cooperation and regional security coordination.
During his stay in Rabat, Haftar commended Morocco’s regional standing and indicated interest in joint cooperation programmes and future initiatives, according to remarks quoted by Hespress.
Morocco has maintained a diplomatic presence in Libya since it hosted the 2015 Skhirat Agreement and later facilitated political consultations in Bouznika.
