On Thursday, the Libyan Foreign Minister of the Parliament-designated government, Abdul-Hadi Al-Hwaij held a meeting with the Greek Consul General in Libya, Stavros Venizelos.
The meeting spotlighted the strengthening of trade and economic collaboration between Libya and Greece, with both parties keen on amplifying their bilateral ties.
Al-Hwaij underscored the importance of enhancing ties between the two nations, emphasizing the necessity to initiate maritime routes to the ports of Benghazi, Derna, and Tobruk. This is to amplify and streamline trade, and business operations between companies in both countries.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the significance of establishing twinning projects, encompassing municipalities, universities, and hospitals in both the public and private sectors. Highlighting the significance of these collaborations, Al-Hwaij stressed the need to simplify visa processes for Libyans, whether for educational, medical, work, or tourism purposes. The possibility of introducing the European Schengen visa, or the Greek national visa was also broached, considering the potential impact on the economic balance between the two nations.
Reflecting on the rich history of nearly seven decades of Libyan-Greek ties, Al-Hwaij remarked that their relationship has been characterized by “deep-rooted friendship, mutual respect, and longstanding cooperation.”
The minister concluded by advocating for the development of a dedicated cultural center, alongside the endorsement of joint cultural events, further fostering the deep-rooted ties between Libya and Greece.
Libya and Greece share a bond that has been forged over millennia. These ties are rich, and multifaceted, and have been reinforced by geographical proximity, trade, and shared historical experiences.
The Mediterranean sea has always been a bustling trade route. Both nations, being strategically located, have benefited immensely from this. Over the decades, bilateral trade agreements have been a cornerstone of their relationship. In recent times, as both nations navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the 21st century, their partnership has taken on added significance, with energy, commerce, and security collaborations coming to the forefront.