The General Director of National Defence Policy and International Relations of the Ministry of National Defence Dr Konstantinos Balomenos, held a courtesy meeting with the Ambassador of Libya to Greece, Mr Hamad Bousayf, on Monday 6 March 2023.

The main focus of the discussion was the strengthening of the bilateral defence relations between Greece and Libya. In addition, the security environment in the eastern Mediterranean, as shaped after the latest geopolitical developments in the wider region, was discussed and the current situation in Libya was commented.

The General Director stressed the importance of Greece’s participation in Operation IRINI and Greece’s role in the implementation of the United Nations Treaty concerning the arms embargo and the prohibition of illicit trade in petroleum products.

Dr Balomenos also highlighted the country’s position on the need to find a political solution in Libya in line with the relevant UN resolutions and the importance of the withdrawal of foreign forces and mercenaries as a prerequisite for stabilising security in the region.

Equally, the necessity of holding free and fair elections to form a legitimate government, representing the entire Libyan people, was stressed.

In addition, the General Director emphasised Türkiye’s destabilising role, both in Libya and in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region.

Similarly, the Libyan Ambassador focused on the need to find ways of cooperation in order to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Greece and Libya. In this context, the possibility of an eventual increase in the participation of Libyan students in Greek military academies was considered.

Finally, it was jointly stressed that the strengthening of the diplomatic axis between Greece and Libya is of historical importance and contributes to the stabilisation and establishment of security in the whole Mediterranean region.