Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis held a one-hour meeting on Sunday, July 6, in Benghazi with General Khalifa Haftar, commander of the Libyan National Army. The visit, which focused on curbing irregular migration and addressing maritime zone issues, reflects Athens’ broader strategy to deepen ties with Libya and reinforce regional stability.
The discussions centered primarily on the growing migration flows toward Crete, with Greece aiming to coordinate efforts with Libyan authorities to manage and reduce these movements. Maritime boundaries in the Eastern Mediterranean—an ongoing point of geopolitical sensitivity—were also on the agenda.
Greece is seeking to strengthen its diplomatic presence in both the eastern and western parts of Libya. During the meeting, Gerapetritis emphasized the historic and cultural bonds between the two countries, underlining a shared geography and long-standing ties
Following the meeting, the Greek foreign minister stated that he and General Haftar exchanged views on migration management, maritime jurisdiction, and the future of bilateral cooperation.
He stressed that Greece and Libya are bound not only by shared traditions but also by a common vision for a peaceful and prosperous Mediterranean. He reaffirmed Greece’s intention to maintain a steady relationship with Libya and expressed optimism about tangible progress in the near future.
Later in the day, Gerapetritis also met with Belkacem Haftar, who is tasked with Libya’s reconstruction efforts. The Libyan official extended an invitation to Greek businesses to participate in the country’s rebuilding process, signaling economic opportunities for Greece in post-conflict Libya.
Although Gerapetritis had intended to visit Tripoli, the seat of Libya’s internationally recognized government, logistical constraints prevented the trip. His visit to the Libyan capital has been rescheduled for July 15.
Athens finds itself navigating a delicate diplomatic landscape as Libya moves toward closer coordination between its eastern and western factions—a process in which Turkey has played a pivotal role.
Despite the political division that has persisted since 2014, Ankara has made notable strides in bridging the gap by offering incentives to both sides.
Greece, meanwhile, is working to balance this influence by leveraging its position within the European Union and the United Nations Security Council.