The interim Libyan Government of National Unity has deepened its military relations with Italy through a 'comprehensive training plan' for its 'special forces' in western Libya, benefiting from political and economic cooperation between the countries' politicians, which resulted in the conclusion of many strategic agreements in previous years.

During Al-Namroush's visit to the Italian Naval Academy

General Salah al-Din al-Namroush, Chief of the General Staff of the Government of National Unity forces, made an official visit to Italy aimed at enhancing joint military cooperation and developing training and qualification fields between the two countries. During this visit, which observers described as 'important', Al-Namroush – who was given an official reception ceremony – met with high-ranking Italian military leaders on Wednesday and Thursday, discussing the possibility of enhancing military cooperation and joint training with his Italian counterpart.

The General Staff in western Libya said on Thursday that Al-Namroush discussed with the Italian Chief of General Staff, General Luciano Portolano, at the General Staff headquarters in Rome, ways to develop joint military cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fields of training, qualification, and exchange of expertise, highlighting that this cooperation 'contributes to raising the efficiency of members of the military institution and developing their professional capabilities'.

Commander of the Italian Joint Special Operations Forces, Bezuti, receives Al-Namroush (General Staff of Western Libya)

According to the General Staff in western Libya, the meeting between Al-Namroush and Portolano reviewed 'the positive results achieved in past years within the framework of military cooperation between the two countries,' and the two sides concluded 'the importance of building on the achievements made and working to expand areas of partnership in a way that serves common interests and strengthens bilateral relations between the two military institutions'.

Al-Namroush's meeting in Rome came after a visit by a high-level Italian delegation headed by the Director of the Italian Intelligence Service, General Giovanni Caravelli, to the General Command headquarters in the city of Benghazi last Tuesday, during which he met with the Deputy General Commander, General Saddam Haftar.

Saddam and Caravelli had discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries to serve common interests, in addition to discussing efforts made in combating terrorism and reducing illegal immigration. Caravelli affirmed Italy's support for efforts aimed at unifying institutions in Libya to ensure lasting stability.

On June 10, General Abdul Salam al-Zoubi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Defense of the 'Unity' government at the ministry's headquarters in Tripoli, discussed with the Italian Ambassador to Libya, Gianluca Alberini, and the Military Attaché at the Italian Embassy, Colonel Massimiliano Granscioz, ways to develop joint cooperation between the two countries.

Commander of the Italian Joint Special Operations Forces receiving Al-Namroush (General Staff of Western Libya)

Training, development, capacity building, and exchange of expertise programs are at the forefront of Italian-Libyan cooperation, in an effort to support security and enhance stability within Libya.

The Government of National Unity had previously concluded several economic and strategic agreements with Italy, which the government considered 'an important leap in bilateral cooperation relations between the two countries to revive the energy and infrastructure sectors'.

Following Al-Namroush's meeting with the Italian Chief of Staff, he held talks on Thursday with the commander of the Italian special forces, discussing ways to develop the training of special forces affiliated with the Government of National Unity.

The General Staff in western Libya explained that the Commander of the Italian Joint Special Operations Forces, Rear Admiral Paolo Bezuti, discussed with Al-Namroush 'ways to raise the level of training and qualification for members of the Libyan special forces, by enhancing cooperation between the two sides and benefiting from Italian expertise in this field'.

The two sides also discussed 'developing a comprehensive training plan' targeting Libyan special forces personnel, contributing to developing their operational capabilities and raising the level of readiness and efficiency, within the framework of the military partnership and ongoing cooperation between the two military institutions in the two countries.

Al-Namroush receiving in Italy a number of students studying at the Naval Academy in Livorno and the Military Academy in Modena (General Staff of Western Libya)

As part of exchanging expertise in military education and qualification, Al-Namroush made an official visit to the Italian Naval Academy in the city of Livorno.

Al-Namroush's office stated on Thursday that in a meeting with the commander of the Italian Naval Academy, he reviewed the main activities of the Naval Academy, in addition to discussing the preparation, qualification, and training programs adopted at the Military Academy in Modena, and explored prospects for cooperation and exchange of expertise in military education and officer preparation.

According to his office, Al-Namroush's visit included a field tour inside the academy's facilities, during which he viewed the educational halls, training facilities, and technical and logistical capabilities that contribute to qualifying military personnel according to the latest academic and training standards.

At the end of the visit, Al-Namroush met with a number of Libyan students studying at the Naval Academy in Livorno and the Military Academy in Modena, and listened to them about their academic conditions. While praising 'the efforts they are making in their academic and military careers,' he urged them 'to benefit from the acquired expertise and knowledge, contributing to supporting and developing the Libyan military institution'.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni considers Libya a 'strategic market' for companies from her country, especially in the hydrocarbon sector, considering in previous meetings with Al-Dabaiba that 'cooperation between the two countries in the energy field strengthens the Libyan economy'.

It is noted that the Italian 'Eni' group is the largest foreign partner in natural gas extraction in Libya, and secures more than a third of Italy's consumption needs.