Libyan-Greek Talks in Athens Address Migration, Investment, Energy, Education and Frozen Libyan Funds

Tripoli – September 21, 2026 (LANA) – The Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee of the House of Representatives, headed by Youssef Al-Aqouri, discussed with Andreas Fryganas, Director General for Policy Affairs at the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, ways to strengthen Libyan-Greek relations and expand areas of joint cooperation, in addition to a number of regional and international issues, foremost among them irregular migration, economic cooperation, and Libyan-European relations.

The meeting was held at the headquarters of the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the capital, Athens, in the presence of Deputy Committee Chairman Hassan Al-Barghathi, Committee Rapporteur Mohammed Tamer, and a number of officials and representatives of relevant departments at the Greek Foreign Ministry, including the Middle East, Migration and Visas, and Schengen departments.

Al-Aqouri stressed the importance of developing the historic relations between Libya and Greece and expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, investment, energy, health, education and training, and infrastructure, in a manner that strengthens mutual interests and opens new prospects for partnership between the two countries.

He also stressed the importance of continued coordination between Libyan and Greek institutions and of making use of Greece’s membership in the UN Security Council and its expected role in chairing the Council, as well as its upcoming presidency of the Council of the European Union, in a manner that supports communication on issues of common interest and strengthens the conveyance of the Libyan perspective to European and international institutions.

Al-Aqouri praised Greece’s position in support of the Libyan people, pointing to the importance of its role in supporting issues related to Libyan interests, including the issue of Libyan funds frozen abroad, and stressing the need to continue coordination and cooperation on these matters.

According to the official page of House of Representatives spokesperson Abdullah Bliheg, the two sides also discussed irregular migration and the challenges associated with migration flows across the Mediterranean. They stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and information exchange among the relevant authorities, supporting the capabilities of the Libyan Coast Guard, developing training and rescue programs, and combating migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks.

Deputy Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee Hassan Al-Barghathi stressed the need to address migration through a comprehensive approach that takes into account its various dimensions and strengthens international cooperation and coordination among the countries concerned, thereby contributing to reducing irregular migration and combating human trafficking and smuggling networks.

Al-Barghathi highlighted the importance of the European role in supporting stability in Libya, stressing that strengthening relations between Libya and the European Union requires continued dialogue and communication. He said Greece could play a role in conveying the Libyan perspective to European institutions and supporting avenues of joint cooperation.

For his part, Committee Rapporteur Mohammed Tamer stressed the importance of maintaining parliamentary and diplomatic communication between Libya and Greece, noting that direct meetings between institutions in the two countries contribute to bringing viewpoints closer and enhancing understanding of issues of common interest, thereby supporting bilateral relations and opening the way for further cooperation.

The meeting also addressed opportunities for economic cooperation. The Greek side expressed the interest of a number of Greek companies in expanding their activities in Libya and benefiting from available opportunities, while the Libyan side stressed the importance of encouraging Greek companies to enter into new projects and cooperation programs and strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries.

The two sides also discussed cooperation in the fields of health, education and training, as well as academic and scientific cooperation, particularly the existing cooperation between the University of Benghazi and a number of Greek universities, stressing the importance of developing such cooperation and exchanging expertise and knowledge between academic institutions in the two countries.

The meeting further addressed a number of regional and international issues and Libyan-European relations, as well as the importance of strengthening communication between the House of Representatives and Greek institutions in a manner that contributes to exchanging views on developments and issues of common interest.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides stressed the importance of continuing coordination between the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Committee of the House of Representatives and the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and strengthening parliamentary diplomacy in a manner that supports the development of bilateral relations and opens broader prospects for cooperation in various fields.

...(LANA)...