The further deepening of relations between Greece and East Libya confirmed the meeting held in Athens on Monday by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis with the Deputy Chief of the General Administration of the Libyan National Army, Saddam Hafftar.
According to diplomatic sources, Saddam Hafftar's first visit to the Greek capital took place following the second visit by the Greek Foreign Minister to Benghazi on 28 March and reflects the common will of the two sides to strengthen the channels of communication and further develop the cooperation that has been formed in recent years with East Libya.
Special attention was paid to the issue of marine zones. George Gerapetritis reiterated that the strategic priority of Athens remains the demarcation of an Exclusive Economic Zone between Greece and Libya, as two neighbouring countries with objective coasts, on the basis of International Law of the Sea and the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
On the front of irregular immigration, the two sides agreed on the need to strengthen cooperation aimed at reducing migration flows to Crete and Gavdos. At the same time, the continuation of the training programmes of Libyan Coast Guard officials in Greece was discussed, as well as the preparation of a new cycle of educational activities and the provision of know-how.
An important part of the talks also concerned economic cooperation. As the same sources say, the potential for investment in a number of sectors, with an emphasis on energy, followed by the business mission carried out in Benghazi last January, was examined. The two sides also agreed on the need to upgrade air and sea connections between Greece and Eastern Libya.
During the meeting, the role of Greece as a credible interlocutor within both the European Union and the United Nations Security Council was also highlighted. The Foreign Minister reiterated Athens' firm position in favour of a single, strong and dominant Libya, without external interference and foreign influences.
Diplomatic sources pointed out that the common place of the talks was the assessment that the geographical proximity of Greece and Libya, combined with the fluid geopolitical situation in the Eastern Mediterranean and North Africa, make it necessary to build closer and mutually beneficial cooperation. As noted, the aim is to strengthen stability, security and prosperity in the wider region of the Eastern Mediterranean.