Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis embarked on a significant visit to Libya on Tuesday. He aimed to discuss the sensitive issue of maritime border demarcation. The growing influx of irregular migrants also featured prominently.
Gerapetritis journeyed to the capital city, Tripoli. He characterized his presence as a message of profound peace. It also conveyed friendship and good neighborly relations. The minister met with Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh.
Greece and Libya share deep historical and civilizational ties. “What unites us outweighs what divides us,” Gerapetritis affirmed. He expressed hope for a new chapter in bilateral relations. Greece seeks to be Libya’s strong voice in Europe.
Meetings also included his Libyan counterpart, Taher Al-Baour. Discussions centered on critical regional matters. Athens reiterated its firm objection to the 2019 Turkish-Libyan maritime deal. Greece desires to resume maritime negotiations with Libya. These talks stalled approximately 15 years ago.
Athens acknowledges Turkey’s influence on the Tripoli government. Yet, Greece views the current climate as an opportunity. It seeks to bring the Dbeibeh government to the negotiation table. Diplomatic efforts continue despite complexities.
Gerapetritis also visited Benghazi on July 6. He met with Khalifa Haftar, eastern Libyan forces’ commander. This occurred amid improving eastern Libya-Turkey relations. Reports suggest Benghazi’s parliament may approve the Turkish-Libyan deal.
Libya accused Greece of rights violations in a June 20 UN letter. Greece leased offshore blocks near Crete to ExxonMobil. This area falls under the contentious Turkish-Libyan maritime border agreement. Hydrocarbon exploration rights remain a flashpoint.
