Alsharq Tribune-AFP
The US has confirmed that it would continue to expand its engagement with professional military officers from across Libya, and pledged to support the Libyan Navy in strengthening unified maritime security efforts.
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the US Embassy in Libya thanked the Libyan Navy for its participation in Phoenix Express 24, a multinational maritime exercise sponsored by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). It said the exercise brought together North African, European, and US maritime forces in Tunisia to enhance cooperation and expertise in maritime security operations.
“This year witnessed the largest ever Libyan Navy presence yet in this important Mediterranean security exercise, including the ships Al Karama and Ibn Ouf and over one hundred sailors from the west and east,” said the statement. It added that the US “will continue to expand our engagement with professional military officers from all regions of Libya, and we will strive to support the Libyan Navy in strengthening unified maritime security efforts.
” Meanwhile, EU Ambassador to Libya Nicola Orlando said Tuesday that in a wide-ranging meeting with Minister of State Adel Jumaa in Tripoli, “we reviewed the EU-Libya partnership and explored ways to deepen our cooperation.
” “I briefed the Minister on my recent consultations in Brussels, and we reaffirmed our commitment to advancing the rights-based structured dialogue initiated by President Von der Leyen and Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, spanning key areas like civil aviation, higher education, and health.” He said that he underscored the EU’s willingness to support Libya in strengthening its borders.
Discussions also focused on the importance of backing the efforts of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) to promote stability and unity through dialogue, including critical steps to unify the budget and ensure the transparent and fair allocation of Libya’s resources. “I encouraged him to continue constructive engagement with all stakeholders and reiterated the EU’s readiness to assist,” Orlando added.
