Athens’ new opening to Libya with agreements on EEZ, immigration, direct flights and enhanced cooperation following George Gerapetritis’ contacts in Tripoli.

At a critical juncture for developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and stability in North Africa, the visit of Minister of Foreign AffairsGiorgos Gerapetritis to Tripoli marks a new phase of relaunching Greek-Libyan relations, with an emphasis on demarcation of maritime zones, addressing migration flows and strengthening economic cooperation, while at the same time a framework for closer diplomatic and business cooperation is being formed that aspires to substantially upgrade Greece’s role as a stabilizing factor in the wider region.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, paid a visit to Tripoli, Libya today, Monday, April 27 and held separate meetings with the President of the Libyan Presidential Council, Mohammed Menfi, the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity of Libya (GNU), Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Taher Al Baour.

Will to enhance cooperation

The visit confirms the common will to further enhance cooperation and intensify contacts as a necessary condition for regional prosperity.

The Foreign Minister stressed that the unity and stability of Libya is directly linked to the peace and prosperity of the Eastern Mediterranean, and expressed Greece’s willingness to contribute in this direction.

Results

Gerapetritis expressed satisfaction with the progress made in bilateral relations since his visit to Tripoli on 15.7.2025:

-Completion of the first round of technical talks between the relevant Committees on the delimitation of maritime zones, in September 2025.
-Start of direct flights between Athens and Tripoli/Venice, which is an essential step for business mobility and tourism.
-Bilateral cooperation in the field of trade and investment.
-Greek support for Libyan positions in international organizations.

Greek Foreign Minister and Libyan officials agreed on the need to cooperate and conduct a sincere dialogue while remaining committed to building a relationship of trust.

Delimitation of Maritime Zones

The Foreign Minister stressed that Greece is seeking the delimitation of the EEZ and continental shelf with Libya, as states with objective coasts, in full compliance with the International Law of the Sea, as reflected in UNCLOS and as it has done with other neighbouring states. A timetable was set for the next round of technical talks to be held in the near future in Tripoli.

Typical migration

The Greek Foreign Minister presented the current situation in Greece, that the flows from Western Libya to Greece remain almost zero, and pointed out that it is important not to consolidate a new migration route from Eastern Libya (Tobruk-Crete).

He reiterated Greece’s willingness to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation between the two sides and the training of Libyan Coast Guard officers in Greece.

Cooperation within international and regional organizations

The Foreign Minister stressed that during Greece’s participation in the UN Security Council, Greece will continue to actively contribute to supporting the legitimate Libyan positions for the benefit of the Libyan people.

Contribution to the political process on Libya

As regards developments in the political process in Libya, Greece, as a non-permanent member of the UNSC, remains firmly committed to supporting efforts to achieve a viable solution under the auspices of the UN.
The Foreign Minister reiterated the consistent Greek position in favour of the holding of free, fair and inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections as the only viable solution for the final resolution of the Libyan crisis, as well as the exclusion of any outside interference. In the EU framework, Greece will continue to stand by Libya as a sincere interlocutor.

Bilateral cooperation

Both sides expressed their willingness to enhance contacts through the establishment of a joint committee to update existing bilateral agreements and to elaborate new agreements on issues of common interest between the two countries.

They also agreed to increase trade and further promote investment in the energy, construction, logistics and transport sectors.

The parties agreed to hold a Greek business mission to Tripoli in the near future.

Finally, the parties agreed to work on the freight and passenger maritime connection between Greece and Libya.