On 6 July, 2025, a meeting was held in Benghazi between the head of the Libyan National Army (LNA), General Khalifa Haftar, and Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis.
The discussions focused on cooperation, migration, and maritime borders in the eastern Mediterranean.
Objectives of the Visit
The Greek Foreign Ministry sent Gerapetritis with the mission of deepening the bilateral partnership, especially in view of the increasing flow of migrants from the Libyan coast.
With the number of illegal crossings via Libya to Greece on the rise, Athens aims to strengthen its engagement with the Haftar-controlled authorities in eastern Libya.
Disputes over maritime borders were another important topic. Greece expressed concern about Türkiye and the LNA, declaring their agreement “null" and "illegal” under international maritime law.
Policy Priorities
- Smigr Questions: Gerapetritis demanded restrictions on smugglers and increased patrols along the Libyan coast.
- Maritime Jurisdiction: Ways to resume negotiations on the Economic Exclusive Zone along the Mediterranean were discussed.
- Economic Cooperation and Reconstruction: Greek companies were invited to participate in the restoration of infrastructure (energy, logistics, construction) in the regions under the control of the LNA.
- Political Ties: Gerapetritis noted “historical and cultural ties”, emphasising the importance of the connection between Greece and eastern Libya.
Geopolitical Backdrop
The visit takes place amidst competition with Türkiye; a active participant in Libya aligned with the Government of National Unity based in Tripoli, western Libya.
Greece, hoping to stem the flow of illegal migrants whilst hedging against Ankara, is using resources and connections within the EU, GCC, and the UNSC to forge alliances. The latest meeting comes as Greek Prime Minister met UAE officials in Athens last week, following a official meeting to Abu Dhabi with President Al Nahyan on 27 February earlier this year.
Greece also deployed additional military vessels near Libyan waters to prevent illegal boats from entering the open sea.
Gerapetritis is set to continue his diplomatic mission in Tripoli on 15 July, extending the dialogue with the Government of Internal Accord. By doing so, Athens is deepening ties with actors on either side of the aisle on Libya: the EU alongside western Libya (GNU) and the UAE alongside eastern Libya (GNS).
Bilateral Discussions
- Migration Security: increased patrols and joint efforts to combat smuggling.
- Legal Dialogue: negotiations on the EEZ and maritime jurisdiction.
- Economy: participation of Greek firms in the reconstruction of regions under LNA control.
- Politics: balanced diplomacy aimed at expanding Greek influence in Libya.
This visit underlines the strategic rapprochement between Greece and eastern Libya, based on the desire to strengthen common interests in migration and security, whilst keeping Türkiye’s influence in the southern Mediterranean in check.
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