Within the movement Yugoslavia belonged to the movement's self-described core members which advocated for equidistance towards both blocs during the Cold War, while Libya often aligned itself to the group of self-described progressive members more aligned towards the Soviet Union.

Despite this Yugoslavia advocated for close cooperation of Euro–Mediterranean members of the movement as the response to exclusive Asian–African or Tricontinental (Asia-Africa-Latin America) initiatives.

Belgrade perceived them as the effort by Soviets to undermine and obscure Yugoslav and Mediterranean place within the movement.

[2] Cordial relations between the two countries eventually evolved into a military trade in which Libya became a prime client for Yugoslav weapons and among other equipment bought 116 Yugoslav-made Galeb G-2 jet planes.

[3] Significant economic cooperation developed in other non-military fields with number of Yugoslav companies and workers working in Libya.