Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with Libyan officials in Tripoli on Tuesday, July 15, as part of efforts to strengthen ties between Greece and Libya and address regional issues through dialogue. His visit followed earlier talks with Marshal Haftar in Benghazi on July 6.
During the trip, Gerapetritis held meetings with Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baur, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeiba, and Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed Menfi.
Discussions focused on key topics such as maritime zone delimitation, migration, trade, and the resumption of direct flights.
Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s commitment to International Law and the Law of the Sea, firmly rejecting the Turco-Libyan memorandum.
“It is a great honour to be in Tripoli today. On behalf of the Greek government and the Greek people, I bring you a message of peace, friendship, and good neighbourliness,” Gerapetritis said.
“There are no problems that cannot be solved through dialogue… Greece can and should be Libya’s voice in Europe and the world.”
Foreign Minister Al-Baur highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical ties between the two countries.
“There are always issues that affect relations… but these problems should not become obstacles,” he noted, expressing hope that the visit would mark a positive new chapter in bilateral relations.
Despite ongoing tensions over maritime boundaries, Gerapetritis described the talks as productive, stating: “We jointly decided to put the key issues concerning us — migration, bilateral trade, and of course, the delimitation of maritime zones — back on track.”
He added, “A strong, unified, and self-sufficient Libya, in close cooperation with Greece, is a guarantee of security and prosperity in the wider region.”
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued direct dialogue to promote mutual respect, sovereignty, and shared regional stability.
