On 9 September, the Chiefs of Staff of the services of the Libyan Army and of the Libyan National Army (LNA), or their representatives, met in Sirte for an executive consultation meeting. They agreed on a cooperation plan covering joint exercises, armament, logistics, and military education.
Joint military training exercises and field drills shall help to improve operational performance. Cooperation over armament and military equipment shall include at first the exchange of expertise, thereafter common modernization projects, and making certain capabilities available to both sides.
In the logistics sector, an exchange of expertise as well as a cooperation on certain military supplies and an exchange of spare parts is foreseen. Common military education and professional training shall be conducted in colleges, military schools and other specialized training institutions. A first step here will be also an exchange of expertise.
The agreement will allow for direct cooperation between military structures in the east and west. Further engagement between the respective service chiefs of staff, various military departments and command branches are planned in Sirte to expand bilateral coordination and to develop concrete phase plans and projects. Each service will develop its own implementation plan.
Sirte is set to host regular monthly meetings.
The Libyan Army’s General Staff characterized the dialogue as a notable advancement toward the unification of Libya’s military institutions, stating that sustained, direct communication would enhance confidence among commanders and facilitate the resolution of entrenched divisions.
On 9 September, Libyan Air Force (Tripoli) Chief of Staff Major General Emhamed Seifao Goujel said during a press conference that an agreement was achieved to unify air traffic control. This was already announced before by LNA Air Force Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Mohammed Manfur in Benghazi. He described his meeting with his ‘counterpart’ LNA Chief of Operational Staff of the Air Force Major General Adel al-Washah as outstanding, noting that it addressed areas of training, cooperation, and coordination, as well as enhancing the proficiency of technicians and pilots and improving the capabilities and operational readiness of the aircraft. Goujel stressed enthusiastically that there is not one Air Force in the East and another in the West, but rather a single Air Force.
On 10 September, UNSMIL welcomed the Sirte meeting of Libya’s service chiefs, praising their commitment to deepen coordination through practical measures such as joint training and improved communication. It described the gathering as a meaningful confidence‑building step toward unifying Libya’s military institution. The Mission reaffirmed its support for this Libyan‑led process and encouraged continued dialogue and cooperation in the interest of peace, stability, and national unity.