The Foreign Ministers of Greece, Giorgos Gerapetritis, and of Libya's Government of National Unity (GNU), Taher Salem al-Baour, held talks on September 17 concerning the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) between the two countries in the Mediterranean Sea. The meeting was announced on the website of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
This new meeting was a continuation of negotiations that took place in Tripoli back in July, during which the parties concluded an agreement to deepen bilateral relations.
"During the meeting, the ministers announced the launch of a process to define the maritime borders of the Exclusive Economic Zone between Greece and Libya. In this context, the first session of technical committees was held. It was decided that the next meeting will take place in Tripoli," stated the Greek Foreign Ministry.
Minister Gerapetritis emphasized that international law, particularly the Law of the Sea, must be respected in matters of disputed maritime zones. He reiterated the position of both Greece and the EU, stating that the Turkey-Libya memorandum of understanding—which allows Turkish companies to extract hydrocarbons in a disputed area of the sea—is invalid and lacks legal foundation.
The talks also covered the issue of combating illegal migration. Athens expressed its readiness to continue training personnel for the Libyan coast guard.
The ministers exchanged views on strengthening bilateral relations in the fields of the economy, energy, transport, and construction. The launch of direct flights between Tripoli and Athens was discussed. The parties also agreed to host a Greek business mission in Tripoli, scheduled for the autumn of 2025.
At the end of July, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had called on Libya's GNU to begin negotiations on the delimitation of the EEZ and the continental shelf. The politician noted then that the issue of maritime borders had become more urgent due to the agreement between Ankara and Tripoli.
In the autumn of 2019, Turkey and Libya signed a memorandum on the delimitation of maritime jurisdictions. The agreement, which was registered with the UN in October 2020, prohibits unilateral activity by regional countries and international companies in the area, protects the rights of the signatories, and allows Turkish companies to conduct hydrocarbon exploration on the shelf. The deal has been met with strong opposition from Greece, whose maritime zone south of the island of Crete borders the disputed area.
Alexander Kholodov
