Summary:

On 15 July 2025, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis made a diplomatic visit to Libya for talks with key Libyan officials, including Presidential Council Chairman Mohamed Menfi, Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, and Acting Foreign Minister Taher Al Baour. The meetings aimed to boost political, economic, and security cooperation between the two countries. 

Discussions focused on reopening direct flights, encouraging Greek investment in Libya’s reconstruction, and reviving joint committees to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Both sides emphasized the importance of open dialogue and mutual respect, while reaffirming their shared commitment to regional stability and a long-term partnership. 

The central issue prompting the visit was maritime border delimitation, with Greece reaffirming its willingness to engage in dialogue based on international law. Both countries agreed to hold future discussions on defining their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), amid ongoing tensions over Greek hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete. This came after a long diplomatic dispute between both countries over oil and gas exploration activities in contested maritime areas which has involved Türkiye and Egypt. 

Outlook: 

As relations between Libya and Greece have experienced a period of tension, the Greek Foreign Minister’s visit may signal a cautious diplomatic re-engagement following years of maritime disputes over overlapping claims and energy interests in the Eastern Mediterranean. 

While deep disagreements remain, particularly over Libya’s 2019 maritime deal with Türkiye and recent objections to Greek hydrocarbon exploration, both countries appear increasingly open to dialogue. The agreement to hold future discussions on maritime delimitation and the focus on economic cooperation suggests a mutual interest in stabilizing relations amidst an otherwise turbulent time around the region. 

Progress, however, will depend on broader regional dynamics, including the roles of strategic partners such as Egypt and Türkiye, as well as Libya’s internal political cohesion. 

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