The Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, inaugurated the first Conference of Military Intelligence Chiefs of Libya’s Neighbouring Countries in Tripoli today. The conference included the participation of official delegations from Tunisia, Algeria, Sudan, Chad and Niger.
Libya shares a border with all these countries, but notably, Egypt, which shares a very long border with Libya on Libya’s eastern and Khalifa Hafter controlled border – did not participate.
The Libyan attendees included the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defence for Regions and Military Affairs Abdul Salam Al-Zubi, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed Al-Haddad, and his assistant Lieutenant General Salah Al-Namroush, in addition to several military leaders.
Conference reflects shared commitment to strengthening regional security
During his opening remarks, the head of Libyan Military Intelligence, Major General Mahmoud Hamza, welcomed the participating delegations, stressing that the convening of this conference reflects a shared commitment to strengthening regional security and stability. He explained that Libya faces challenges that require effective regional cooperation, especially considering the rapid transformations taking place in the region.
Strengthening regional cooperation to confront common threats
For their part, the heads of participating delegations expressed their appreciation for Libya’s initiative to host the conference, stressing the importance of strengthening regional cooperation to confront common threats, including combating terrorism, controlling borders, and countering smuggling networks that affect the security and stability of neighbouring countries.
A time of escalating security challenges
In his speech, Prime Minister Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba described the conference as an essential step towards strengthening security and intelligence cooperation between neighbouring countries, noting that the conference is taking place at a time of escalating security challenges, especially terrorism, smuggling and illegal cross-border activities.
Libya will not be an arena for settling regional or international scores
Aldabaiba also stressed Libya’s commitment to strengthening its internal stability and contributing to the security of the region, stressing that Libyan territory will not be an arena for settling regional or international scores, nor will it turn into a haven for outlaw elements.
Mechanisms to face common security challenges
The Tripoli based Libyan government said the first day of the conference will witness intensive discussions on mechanisms to strengthen regional partnership and develop practical plans for security and intelligence coordination between neighbouring countries, with the aim of laying the foundations for future cooperation in facing common security challenges.
