Rubio and Lt. Gen. Saddam Haftar Discuss Unifying Libya’s Institutions and Supporting Peace and Elections
Libya – U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Libyan National Army Deputy Commander Lt. Gen. Saddam Haftar discussed efforts to unify Libya’s military, economic and political institutions, support lasting peace and advance the country toward national elections during a meeting in Washington.
Official Meeting in Washington
The Libyan National Army’s General Command said the meeting was held in the presence of Massad Boulos, Senior Adviser to U.S. President Donald Trump for Arab and African Affairs, as part of Saddam Haftar’s official visit to the United States.
According to the General Command’s media office, the talks addressed the latest developments in Libya’s political landscape and several aspects of the U.S. initiative, as well as prospects for expanding bilateral cooperation in various fields in support of strategic partnerships and mutual interests.
Focus on Institutional Unity
In an official readout, the U.S. State Department said Rubio and Haftar discussed ongoing Libyan-led efforts to unify the country’s military, economic and political institutions, along with possible avenues of cooperation to advance unity and peace.
Rubio expressed appreciation for the efforts of Libyan leaders to overcome divisions and move toward national unity, stressing that the United States would remain at the forefront of diplomatic efforts to support Libya and create the conditions for a democratically elected government capable of leading the country forward.
Support for Peace and Elections
In a post on X, Rubio said the meeting focused on unifying Libya’s military and building the conditions for lasting peace, confirming that Washington would continue working with Libyan leaders and international partners in support of a more peaceful, unified and prosperous Libya.
Boulos described the talks as an important meeting, reaffirming the United States’ commitment to building on recent momentum toward unified military, economic and political institutions as Libya advances toward lasting peace and national elections.
Military and Economic Cooperation
For his part, Saddam Haftar said he discussed strengthening the close partnership between Libya and the United States and conveyed the appreciation of Commander-in-Chief Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar for President Trump’s efforts to establish peace in Libya.
He added that the talks, attended by Boulos, covered developments in Libya and the wider region, ways to enhance security and stability, and efforts to move the political process forward in a manner that would preserve Libya’s unity and unify its institutions.
Haftar also said the two sides discussed expanding military and economic cooperation, while he reaffirmed his support for U.S. efforts to consolidate peace, end conflicts and promote regional security.
He expressed optimism about the outcome of further meetings with senior U.S. officials in Washington, saying they would support the General Command’s efforts to protect Libya, safeguard the interests of its people and advance comprehensive development.
