On 11 June, US Chargé d’Affaires to Libya Jeremy Berndt and Deputy Chief of Mission Inga Heemink conducted several high-level meetings in Tripoli with key Libyan officials to discuss political development, the rule of law, and regional stability.
In the meeting with Government of National Unity (GNU) PM Abdul Hameed Dabaiba, Berndt and Heemink reviewed U.S.–Libya economic and military cooperation, including in the context of the unified budget agreement and Exercise Flintlock 2026. They discussed the importance of continued Libyan efforts to overcome divisions, unify institutions, achieve lasting peace, and create the conditions for greater prosperity for the Libyan people and their international partners.
In the meeting with acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Taher al-Baour, discussions focused on enhancing bilateral communication and coordination regarding economic and political issues. The two diplomats reviewed the evolving domestic political situation, emphasizing the importance of advancing the political process toward a comprehensive national consensus. Ultimately, both sides stressed the need to support long-term stability and guide Libya toward national elections to permanently conclude its transitional political phases.
Additionally, Berndt and Heemink met with Attorney General al-Sadiq al-Sour, to target security and institutional development. The officials focused on strengthening law enforcement partnerships, expanding judicial coordination, and countering crime and corruption. Al-Sour, who has led prominent investigations into organized crime and public abuses, joined the American diplomats in emphasizing closer coordination. Berndt described the talks as highly constructive, reaffirming the ongoing US commitment to supporting Libya’s judicial frameworks and building the institutional capacity necessary to promote accountability and ensure national safety.
Berndt also met with GNU Deputy Defense Minister Abdussalam Zoubi, discussing ways to strengthen U.S.-Libya military cooperation and support Libyan efforts to unify and professionalize military institutions. He underscored the importance of building on recent successes, such as Libya’s role in hosting AFRICOM’s Flintlock 26 military exercise. In a meeting with Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army Salahadeen al-Namroush, Berndt reaffirmed US commitment to partnering with professional military officers from all regions of Libya to ‘counter shared regional threats and foster stability.’
On the economic front, Berndt and Heemink met with Audit Bureau head Khaled Shakshak, discussing the Audit Bureau’s critical role in promoting transparency and accountability in Libya’s public expenditures and the need to preserve the independence and integrity of this and other key technocratic institutions. He also met with NOC chairman Masoud Suleiman.