The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, visited Libya on Wednesday, 18 December 2025. He met Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Arab Armed Forces, Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar. The leaders discussed enhancing Pakistan-Libya defence ties through shared interests in security and training.
Asim Munir Libya Visit Highlights Guard of Honour
Field Marshal Asim Munir arrived in Libya for an official visit. A smartly turned-out contingent of the Libyan Armed Forces accorded him a guard of honour. He held talks with Field Marshal Khalifa Belqasim Haftar and Deputy Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar.
During the meeting between Asim Munir and Khalifa Haftar, both sides addressed matters of mutual interest. They reviewed regional security dynamics. They explored avenues for bilateral defence and military-to-military cooperation. Field Marshal Munir reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening itsdefence ties with Libya based on shared interests.
Both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in training, capacity building, and counter-terrorism efforts. Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar appreciated the professionalism of the Pakistan Armed Forces. He expressed a desire to further expand defence cooperation.
This visitbuilds on growing military engagement between the two nations. It signals an intent to deepen Pakistan-Libya defence ties in key domains.
Background: Prior Engagements Bolster Cooperation
The Asim Munir Libya visit follows earlier interactions. In July 2025, Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar visited Pakistan. He called on Field Marshal Munir at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi.
During that meeting, both sides agreed on defence industrial collaboration. They committed to exchanging technical expertise to address contemporary security challenges. The July engagement laid the groundwork for enhanced Pakistan-Libya defence ties.
Pakistan and Libya share historic military links. Pakistan has provided training to Libyan officers in aviation, infantry, and technical fields; these ties are rooted in a shared Islamic heritage and mutual support in multilateral forums.
The current COAS visit to Libya is expected to advance these relations. It focuses on practical steps, such as joint training and capacity building, in response to evolving regional threats.
Key Outcomes from Asim Munir Khalifa Haftar Meeting
The discussions during the meeting emphasised mutual strategic priorities. Both nations prioritised counter-terrorism cooperation. They agreed to strengthen military-to-military ties.
Field Marshal Munir highlighted Pakistan’s role in regional stability. Field Marshal Haftar acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistan Armed Forces to peacekeeping. The leaders pledged to expand Pakistan-Libya defence ties through structured dialogue.
This visit highlights Pakistan’s efforts to engage with North African partners. It aligns with efforts to promote peace via defence collaboration.
What’s Next for Pakistan-Libya Defence Ties
Future steps may include joint exercises and technical exchanges. Both sides aim to operationalise agreements from the July and December engagements. Enhanced cooperation in counter-terrorism and training could follow.
The commitment to strengthening Pakistan-Libya defence ties offers potential for a deeper strategic partnership. It addresses shared security concerns in South Asia and North Africa.
Observers note this development reinforces bilateral relations. It builds on reciprocal high-level visits in 2025.
Pakistan continues to position itself as a reliable partner in defence training and expertise. The visit marks a positive step forward in Pakistan-Libya defence ties.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, December 18th, 2025
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