Lukashenko Meets Libyan Deputy Commander Haftar to Bolster Bilateral Ties and Support Unification Efforts

High-Level Meeting in Minsk

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus held a meeting with Lieutenant General Saddam Khalifa Haftar, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), in Minsk on October 21, 2025. The high-profile encounter aimed at revitalizing and intensifying relations between Belarus and Libya, with a particular emphasis on supporting Libya's unification efforts.

Saddam Khalifa Haftar, who is also the son of Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the Commander-in-Chief of the LNA, arrived in Minsk on the evening of October 20, 2025, leading a government delegation interested in establishing new contacts with Belarusian partners.

Expanding Areas of Cooperation

During the discussions, both leaders explored avenues for comprehensive bilateral cooperation across various strategic sectors. Key areas identified for enhanced partnership include:

• Military Cooperation: This was a primary focus of the talks, building on existing and growing military ties between the two nations. Belarus has previously provided training programs for Libyan military personnel.
• Economic and Investment Fields: Efforts to promote joint economic ventures and investments were discussed.
• Manufacturing Industry: The Libyan delegation expressed interest in cooperation within the manufacturing sector.
• Agriculture and Agribusiness: Strengthening ties in agricultural development and food security was highlighted.
• Healthcare: Collaboration in the healthcare sector, including technical support and exchanges, was also on the agenda.
• Infrastructure: Discussions included practical steps to promote partnerships in infrastructure development.

President Lukashenko reiterated Belarus's readiness to provide 'every aid and support to the Libyan nation,' emphasizing that 'a calm and developing Libya will be able to secure peace and tranquility for half of the African continent.'

Historical Context and Future Outlook

The meeting underscores a renewed push to restore relations that President Lukashenko noted had been 'ruined' in the past but are now being 'restored most intensively.' Belarus and Libya established diplomatic relations in 1992, with Lukashenko having visited Libya in 2000 to meet with Muammar Gaddafi.

Saddam Khalifa Haftar's visit follows that of his father, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, who visited Belarus in February 2025. The Deputy Commander-in-Chief is seen by observers as a potential successor to his father, particularly after the House of Representatives in eastern Libya recently approved an amendment allowing him to succeed as head of the LNA. The ongoing engagement reflects the Libyan General Command's strategy to diversify its international partnerships.