The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, held meetings with the Prime Minister of Libya’s Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and the acting Foreign Minister, Al Taher Salem al-Baour, during his visit to Tripoli.
As Mr. Gerapetritis underlined in statements after the meetings, both sides agreed to move forward with discussions on the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
“We jointly decided to activate the Joint Committee, which will deal with key issues, reassess agreements that have already been signed, and propose new ones,” he stated, adding:
“We decided to advance the discussions of the technical committees concerning the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone, to cooperate in international organizations with an eye to the future, and to work together in an environment where both countries will have mutually beneficial agreements.”
As he emphasized, “it is important for two countries that are directly and genuinely neighboring, such as Greece and Libya, in a turbulent geopolitical environment in our region, to maintain close cooperation and promote issues that concern them, as well as to foster relations of peace and prosperity.”
He also noted that a wide range of issues related to bilateral relations were discussed, including trade, cooperation on migration, collaboration in international organizations, and cultural and educational cooperation.
Diplomatic sources: Shared will to further strengthen cooperation and intensify bilateral contacts
According to diplomatic sources, the visit of Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis to Tripoli confirmed the shared will to further strengthen cooperation and intensify contacts between Greece and Libya as a necessary condition for regional prosperity. Mr. Gerapetritis held separate meetings with the President of Libya’s Presidential Council, Mohammed Menfi, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity (GNU), Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and the acting Foreign Minister, Taher Al Baour.
According to the same sources, the Greek Foreign Minister stressed that Libya’s unity and stability are directly linked to peace and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean and expressed Greece’s willingness to contribute in this direction.
He also expressed satisfaction with the progress achieved in bilateral relations since his visit to Tripoli on July 15, 2025.
Specifically:
- The first round of technical talks between the competent committees on the delimitation of maritime zones took place in September 2025.
- Direct flights between Athens and Tripoli/Benghazi have been launched, constituting a significant step for business mobility and tourism.
- Bilateral cooperation in trade and investment has been strengthened.
- Greece has supported Libyan positions in international organizations.
Both the Greek Foreign Minister and Libyan officials agreed on the need for cooperation and sincere dialogue, remaining committed to building a relationship of trust.
Delimitation of Maritime Zones
The Foreign Minister stressed that Greece seeks the delimitation of the EEZ and continental shelf with Libya, as states with opposite coasts, in full compliance with the International Law of the Sea, as reflected in UNCLOS, and as it has done with other neighboring states. The timeline for the next round of technical talks, to be held soon in Tripoli, was also set.
Irregular migration
The Greek Foreign Minister presented the current situation in Greece, noting that flows from Western Libya to Greece remain almost zero, while emphasizing the importance of preventing the establishment of a new migration route from Eastern Libya (Tobruk–Crete).
He reiterated Greece’s willingness to enhance effective cooperation between the two sides and to provide training for Libyan coast guard personnel in Greece.
Cooperation within international and regional organizations
The Foreign Minister stressed that during Greece’s participation in the UN Security Council, it will continue to actively support legitimate Libyan positions for the benefit of the Libyan people.
Contribution to Libya’s political process
Regarding developments in Libya’s political process, Greece, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, remains firmly committed to supporting efforts to achieve a sustainable solution under UN auspices.
The Foreign Minister reiterated Greece’s longstanding position in favor of holding free, fair, and inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections as the only viable solution to definitively resolve the Libyan crisis, as well as the exclusion of any external interference. Within the EU framework, Greece will continue to stand by Libya as a sincere partner.
Bilateral cooperation
Both sides expressed their willingness to strengthen contacts through the reactivation of a joint committee to update existing bilateral agreements and develop new ones on issues of common interest between the two countries.
They also agreed to increase trade exchanges and further promote investments in the sectors of energy, construction, logistics, and transport.
It was also agreed that a Greek business mission to Tripoli will take place in the near future.
Finally, the parties agreed to work toward establishing maritime freight and passenger connections between Greece and Libya.
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