On 28 March, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs Georgios Gerapetritis visited Benghazi. He was received by Libyan National Army (LNA) Commander Khalifa Haftar who welcomed the Greek delegation. He emphasized the deep historical and economic ties between the two neighbouring countries, highlighting the importance of these longstanding relations across economic, cultural, and educational fields. Khalifa Haftar’s son and deputy Saddam Haftar and the Secretary General of the LNA Khairi Al-Tamimi were part of the Libyan delegation.
The Greek Foreign Minister expressed his satisfaction with the visit, noting that it reflects Greece’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. He highlighted his country’s readiness to deepen cooperation through the participation of specialized Greek companies in reconstruction and infrastructure projects, as well as by promoting academic partnerships between Greek and Libyan universities, particularly the University of Benghazi. He also underscored the importance of expanding trade exchange and opening maritime routes to facilitate the movement of goods and bolster economic ties between the two nations.
On maritime issues, Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s firm opposition to the 2019 Turkey–Libya Maritime MoU, calling it illegal and urging Benghazi not to ratify it. He emphasized instead the need for a future Greece–Libya agreement on maritime delimitation, arguing that regional instability makes cooperation even more essential.
Migration dominated the agenda. With arrivals in Greece from Libya rising, both sides agreed to tighten border controls, improve information‑sharing and seek EU support for monitoring and surveillance. Gerapetritis stated that Greece is preparing to contribute expertise, equipment and infrastructure, with concrete steps expected during an upcoming visit by EU officials.
Haftar and Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of coordination and cooperation in combating illegal migration. Both parties agreed that such collaboration serves the mutual interests of both countries and the stability of the region in general.
Thereafter, Gerapetritis met with LNA Chief of Staff Khaled Haftar. The meeting explored ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries, particularly in combating illegal migration. Both sides underscored the need for joint action to curb the phenomenon, protect maritime borders, and advance their shared strategic interests.
In a statement before his departure, Gerapetritis highlighted the positive climate in bilateral relations and the growing importance of trade and Greek investment in eastern Libya. He emphasized cooperation on combating irregular migration through technical support and capacity‑building, given Libya’s difficult regional environment. Finally, he underlined the shared interest in delimiting maritime zones – EEZ and continental shelf – based on international law. Gerapetritis stressed the need to deepen and upgrade Greek‑Libyan relations, with Greece committed to an active presence in Libya and described the day as “historic” for Greece-Libya relations.