US Secretary Rubio Meets Libyan General Haftar to Discuss Military Unification

On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio convened an extensive meeting with Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan Armed Forces, at the US Department of State headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Rubio stated on the platform X that the discussions primarily centered on the unification of Libya’s military institution. They also explored ways to create the appropriate conditions and groundwork necessary to establish lasting and stable peace within the country.

The US Secretary of State emphasized that the United States will persist in its efforts and coordination with Libyan leaders, alongside international partners, to support initiatives aimed at building a more peaceful, unified, and prosperous Libyan state.

US Mediation Efforts in Libyan Political and Economic Stability

Earlier reports from the Financial Times revealed that Masad Boulos, an advisor on Arab and African affairs to US President Donald Trump, is attempting to mediate a power-sharing agreement between the two competing governments in eastern and western Libya.

In an interview with the newspaper, Boulos explained, "Our plan is to have a unified government and unify all institutions." He also encouraged American oil companies to invest in Libya, stating that political stability would open significant economic opportunities.

The name of Saddam Haftar has been discussed in Rome and Paris as part of the new Libyan leadership framework.

US Strategic Interests in Libya’s Oil Sector

During a visit to Tripoli in January, Masad Boulos outlined the American approach, affirming that US companies "are betting on Libya’s future." He noted that joint military exercises in Sirte would assist in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty and economy.

This American initiative coincides with the Trump administration’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with both competing Libyan factions, focusing on economic and oil sectors as key avenues to achieve political stability.

A Libyan deputy told "Erem News" that the parliament views Masad Boulos’s initiative positively.