Today constitutes a historic day for Greece, for relations between Greece and Libya, and for Greece’s footprint in the wider region and the world. Today, we inaugurate the new building of our Consulate General in Benghazi, a building that truly adorns the city by its presence. The Greek flag now flies proudly here, in the heart of Benghazi. It is of utmost importance that our bilateral relations are also reflected in new, imposing infrastructure.
I would like to warmly thank the Greek Community of Benghazi, which contributed decisively to the reconstruction of the Consulate General. Today, we remain one of only two European Union countries operating a Consulate General in Benghazi. Special thanks and gratitude are due to Mr. Kanakis Mandalios for his invaluable contribution to the construction of our Consulate General.
Today, I had the opportunity to meet with the senior officials of Eastern Libya, including Field Marshal Haftar, as well as the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee of the House of Representatives and Chairman of the Libyan Asset Recovery Committee. These meetings confirmed the very positive climate that exists in our bilateral relations. We placed particular emphasis on bilateral trade. Significant Greek investments are already being developed in Eastern Libya, underscoring the great importance of trade. Libya is the closest Mediterranean country to Greece, and it is of utmost importance that these commercial activities continue to grow.
We made particular reference to the issue of combating irregular migration. We already have established a good cooperation, which will be further upgraded through the exchange of know-how and the provision of means and infrastructure, so that the phenomenon can be effectively addressed. Libya is situated in an exceptionally challenging geographical environment, marked by endemic armed conflicts, which makes the management of migration flows particularly difficult. Greece, as well as the European Union, will contribute to this effort.
Finally, we jointly highlighted the importance of delimiting maritime zones between Greece and Libya, particularly with regard to the Exclusive Economic Zone and the continental shelf. On the basis of International Law, it is important for neighboring countries sharing the Mediterranean to advance such cooperation, particularly in extremely difficult times, with ongoing conflicts and the Middle East in turmoil.
Greece and Libya must preserve and further enhance this level of cooperation. Over the past year, we have significantly upgraded our relationship through reciprocal visits. It is our intention for Greece to maintain an active presence in Libya, and this is what we will continue to pursue.
March 28, 2026