Tripoli— The Deputy Minister of Defense Abdulsalam Zubi signed a cooperation agreement with the Turkish Ministry of Defense aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Libyan Army that is located in western Libya.
According to a statement by the Government of National Unity (GNU), Mr. Zubi, who is a deputy of the Minister of Defense and PM Abdulhamid Dbeibeh, made a two-day visit to Turkey this week focused on “the institutional development” of the ministry.
The visit comes amid heightening tension in the capital Tripoli as the head of the GNU is preparing for a standoff with the formidable Special Deterrence Force (SDF) that controls major parts of Tripoli.
On 3 June, Dbeibeh vowed to dissolve any armed entity exists outside the Ministries of Interior and Defense. In reality, the SDF is operating under the guidance of the Ministry of Interior and is financed by the government.
The GNU issued the Decisions No. 232 and 237 of the year 2025, which stipulate the dissolution of the SDF and the Stability Support force whose commander was killed during the violent events of 12 May 2025.
The agreement also included provisions for cooperation in the areas of advanced military training, exchange of expertise, and technical and logistical support, with the aim of enhancing the readiness and professional competence of the Libyan Army, the statement said.
Following the signing, Zubi emphasized that this step represents part of the Ministry of Defense’s plan to qualify and develop members of the Libyan Army. He also praised the strategic relationship between Libya and Turkey in this field.
For its part, the Turkish side renewed its commitment to continue supporting Libya in its defense capacity development programs, reflecting the depth of the partnership between the two countries, the statement added.