On Thursday, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis ruled out any attempt by Athens to buy political influence in Libya, despite Turkey’s increasing presence there.
In press statements, Gerapetritis stressed that Greece remains committed to defending its maritime economic interests in the Mediterranean through diplomacy and international law.
“Greece will never engage in bidding wars over Libya,” Gerapetritis declared. “We are a reliable partner, firmly committed to international law, and we pursue multi-dimensional diplomacy—from Africa to the Aegean.”
Addressing the situation in Libya and ongoing disputes over maritime zones, Gerapetritis insisted that Greece has not abandoned the region. He acknowledged Turkey’s growing influence in Libya and wider Africa, but emphasized that Athens has strengthened its own relations with Libyan authorities.
“We have never walked away from Libya. On the contrary, we’ve restored our diplomatic channels with both sides, and very soon, I will visit both eastern and western Libya,” he confirmed.
He also reiterated Greece’s rejection of transactional diplomacy, stating, “We will not buy influence in Libya. We stand by our principles and have plenty of diplomatic tools at our disposal.”
Gerapetritis strongly dismissed the 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and Libya’s former government, calling it “infamous, legally void, and in violation of international law.” He asserted that the agreement carries no legal standing regardless of the parties involved.
On the issue of irregular migration, the Greek foreign minister announced a new national strategy to address increasing migrant flows from eastern Libya. He described the challenge as part of broader regional instability, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.
“The southern migration route is driven by conflict and instability. Greece has made tough decisions, particularly in border control. We keep the sea open—we won’t endanger lives—but our approach is proving effective,” he said.
Gerapetritis also revealed plans to discuss maritime boundaries with Libyan officials during his upcoming trip and to initiate formal talks on the exclusive economic zone.
Additionally, he announced Greece’s intention to create marine parks in the Ionian Sea and the southern Aegean, a move he described as both an environmental project and a geopolitical statement, despite anticipated opposition from neighboring countries.
