Greek FM holds talks in Tripoli amid maritime dispute

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis conducted official meetings in Tripoli on Monday, where he met with Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed al-Menfi, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah, and Acting Foreign Minister Taher al-Baour.

The visit followed recent diplomatic friction between Greece and Libya, after the Libyan government submitted a memorandum to the United Nations objecting to Greece’s delineation of maritime boundaries south of Crete. Libya’s objection references the 2019 maritime agreement signed with Turkey, which it claims Greece’s actions disregard.

Despite the maritime disagreement, discussions in Tripoli focused on avenues to enhance bilateral cooperation. Both sides, in separate meetings, highlighted the historical ties between the two nations and emphasised the importance of continued dialogue based on mutual respect for sovereignty and shared interests.

Talks included the potential resumption of direct flights between the two countries, and the reopening of Greek airspace to Libyan airlines. Officials also discussed strengthening coordination on irregular migration and broader regional security concerns.

While not officially confirmed in public statements, discussions reportedly touched on the reactivation of joint technical and economic committees, as well as opportunities for Greek companies to participate in reconstruction and infrastructure projects in Libya.

Following his visit to Tripoli, Minister Gerapetritis is expected to travel to New York to attend United Nations-brokered talks on Cyprus.

The meetings, which will also be attended by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, are part of ongoing efforts to manage tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly concerning maritime boundary issues.