Libya and Greece have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in wildfire prevention, disaster response and emergency management as part of efforts to strengthen Libya’s preparedness for natural hazards and environmental challenges.
The talks took place in Benghazi during a coordination meeting involving officials from Libya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, representatives of the National Safety Authority and the Consulate General of Greece in Libya.
The meeting was held in line with directives issued by Foreign Minister Abdulhadi Al-Hwaij regarding the monitoring of forest fires and natural phenomena. Participants reviewed opportunities to enhance cooperation between the two countries in tackling wildfires and managing natural disasters.
Discussions focused on benefiting from Greece’s experience in wildfire prevention, rapid response operations, crisis management and emergency preparedness. Greece has developed extensive expertise in dealing with seasonal forest fires and disaster management, making it a valuable partner for Libya as it seeks to strengthen its capabilities in these areas.
The Libyan delegation included Jamil Boudin, Director of the European Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdul Salam Farnana, the official tasked with following wildfire and natural hazard issues, and Suleiman Amhaimid, Director of the National Safety Authority’s Green Mountain branch.
They met with Athanasios Anastopoulos, Greece’s Consul General in Libya, to discuss mechanisms for cooperation between the National Safety Authority and relevant Greek institutions.
The participants also examined prospects for technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and specialised training programmes aimed at improving operational readiness and building institutional capacity to respond to wildfires and other natural disasters.
Officials stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral partnerships in order to protect lives, property and natural resources while improving the performance of national institutions in line with international standards and best practices.
The meeting forms part of Libya’s broader efforts to expand international cooperation and utilise specialised expertise to address environmental and natural challenges, while enhancing national resilience and emergency response capabilities.
