Greece Reaches Out to Libya Amidst Shifting Relations and Migrant Crisis
In a significant diplomatic move, Greece’s Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis traveled to Benghazi, Libya, on Sunday to meet with Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar, the commander of the Libyan National Army (LNA). This visit marks a crucial effort to revitalize relations between Greece and Libya, which have soured in recent months due to a surge in migrant arrivals from eastern Libya. Haftar, once considered an ally of Greece, now finds himself at the center of a complex web of alliances and rivalries in the volatile North African country.
The primary goal of Gerapetritis’ visit is to resume discussions on bilateral relations with Libya, aiming to mitigate potential complications arising from the Turkey-Libya Memorandum framework and to address the pressing issue of migrant flows. The internal situation in Libya remains extremely fluid, with the country still reeling from the aftermath of the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed Muammar Gadhafi. The power vacuum created by Gadhafi’s fall has led to a split, with rival administrations in the east and west backed by rogue militias, further complicating the political landscape.
During his visit, Gerapetritis also met with Belkacem Haftar, General Haftar’s son, who oversees the reconstruction and rebuilding of Libya. In a gesture of goodwill, Belkacem Haftar extended an invitation to Greek businesses to participate in the initiative, potentially paving the way for economic cooperation between the two nations. Gerapetritis is scheduled to visit Tripoli on July 15 to hold meetings with officials from the Tripoli-based authorities, led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, in an effort to foster dialogue and cooperation.
The situation in Libya is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by countries in the region, where political instability, militia violence, and migration crises often intersect. As Greece seeks to navigate this complex terrain, its diplomatic overtures to Libya are being closely watched by international observers. The success of Gerapetritis’ mission will depend on his ability to balance the competing interests of various stakeholders and to find common ground with Libyan leaders.
As the world continues to grapple with the consequences of conflict and instability in North Africa, the developments in Libya serve as a poignant reminder of the need for sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation. The visit by Greece’s Foreign Minister is a step in the right direction, underscoring the importance of dialogue and collaboration in addressing the region’s most pressing challenges.
