On 6 October, the Chief of Staff of the Libyan Army Lieutenant General Salaheddin al-Namroush, accompanied by a delegation of the Libya Army General Staff, participated in the 18th Chief of Staff Meeting of the 5+5 Defence Initiative.
The meeting was organized by the French Presidency in Paris. It was chaired by General Fabien Mandon, the Chief of the French Defense Staff. All member states of the 5+5 Defense Initiative participated with their senior military leaders or their deputies.
The meeting addressed several issues related to joint security and defense cooperation, as well as ways to strengthen coordination among the member states with the aim of supporting security and stability in the Western Mediterranean region.
Al-Namroush emphasized in his statement that in line with the updated 5+5 2026 Action Plan, the Libyan Army has demonstrated a high level of readiness and operational effectiveness through its active participation in a range of field exercises and training activities, particularly in the areas of search and rescue and maritime security. In the light of these achievements, he reiterated his full support for the draft 2027 Action Plan. The Libyan Chief of Staff underlined that the Libyan Army is a committed and reliable partner in the Mediterranean region and looks forward to further strengthening joint cooperation in ways that contribute to the security, stability, and prosperity of the countries and peoples of the region.
According to the Libyan General Staff, Libya’s participation in the meeting is intended to strengthen its presence and cooperation within the 5+5 Defence Initiative, as well as to support joint efforts to develop cooperation and coordination among Western Mediterranean countries. Al-Namroush emphasized that Libya should remain insulated from international and regional conflicts. Internal rivalries must not become an arena for the settlement of external disputes, without naming any particular country. Respect for national sovereignty and the principle of non-interference in internal affairs remain essential.
At the end of the meeting, a joint statement with the roadmap for future collaboration was adopted. This includes a stronger security and defense dialogue, improved civil–military cooperation in disaster management, and an expanded cooperation in cyber defense and counterterrorism, maritime security, and military medical support.