Libya's LNA Commander Receives Italian Intelligence Chief

On Thursday, the Commander-in-Chief of the Libyan National Army (LNA), Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, received the Chief of the Italian Intelligence, Gennaro Vecchione, and his accompanied delegation, in Benghazi.

In a statement, the media office of LNA's General Command said that the visit came within the framework of "strengthening diplomatic relations between the LNA and Italy.

"The visit aims at implementing what was agreed between Haftar and the Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, during his visit to Beneghazi," the statement said.

The LNA leader discussed the cooperation with Italy over combating terrorism and illegal immigration. The two sides also discussed ways to enhance mutual relations.

"The Italian delegation affirmed Italy's full support for Libya's stability and support for the political process in preparation for holding elections at the end of this year," the LNA noted.

Italy affirmed its support for the efforts of the 5 + 5 Military Committee and the unification of institutions in Libya and the efforts sponsored by the United Nations to resolve the Libyan crisis.

Italian Prime Minister Conte and his Foreign Minister, Luigi Di Maio, met with Haftar in December to secure the fishermen’s release. The authorities of eastern Libyan released thefishermen after 107 days in custody.