Morocco’s military leadership has received Khaled Haftar, chief of staff of Libya’s eastern-based forces, during an official visit to Rabat, expanding military contacts with one of the country’s main power centers as efforts continue to reunify Libya’s divided armed forces.
Haftar met Mohammed Berrid, inspector general of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces and commander of the southern military zone, at military headquarters in Rabat on Monday, following his arrival Sunday at the head of a senior delegation. The visit, conducted on instructions from King Mohammed VI, runs through Oct. 15.
Haftar serves as chief of staff of the eastern-based Libyan National Army, commanded by his father, Khalifa Haftar, whose forces control eastern Libya and large parts of the south. Libya remains divided between rival authorities in the east and the internationally recognized Government of National Unity in Tripoli.
The Rabat meeting follows earlier talks between Haftar and Berrid in Luanda, Angola, roughly three months ago, when the two discussed military cooperation and regional security coordination.
During the visit, Haftar praised Morocco’s regional standing and expressed interest in cooperation programs and future joint initiatives, according to remarks reported by Hespress.
Morocco has played a diplomatic role in Libya since hosting the 2015 Skhirat Agreement and subsequent political consultations in Bouznika.
The post Morocco deepens military contacts with eastern Libya as Khaled Haftar visits Rabat appeared first on HESPRESS English - Morocco News.