Russia’s Defense Minister Andrei Belousov held a meeting with Khaled Haftar, Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan National Army. They focused on current issues in Russia–Libya ties and discussed developments in North Africa, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
“The Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation, Andrei Belousov, held talks with Colonel General Khaled Haftar, Chief of the General Staff of the Libyan National Army,” the ministry said. “The talks addressed current issues of Russia–Libya relations. The sides also discussed key aspects of the situation’s evolution in North Africa.”
During the meeting, the head of Russia’s defense ministry congratulated Haftar on his appointment as Chief of the General Staff and on being awarded the rank of colonel general. “This is, without question, recognition of your substantial contribution to strengthening the country’s defense capability,” Belousov noted.
The Russian defense minister also congratulated Khaled Haftar's brother, Saddam Haftar, on his appointment as Deputy Commander of the Libyan National Army and on his promotion to colonel general. He further conveyed wishes of good health and success to the Commander of the Libyan National Army, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar.
The minister noted that the talks build on the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Khalifa Haftar held on May 9 during the festivities marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
For his part, Colonel General Khaled Haftar thanked Belousov for the warm reception and wished him success in achieving his goals and tasks. “This visit is very useful for us. We were able to assess the significant contribution of the Russian Federation to ensuring global stability,” he emphasized.
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Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS