Greece and Libya Agree to Launch Formal Maritime Boundary Talks in Diplomatic Breakthrough

Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has announced that Athens and Tripoli have agreed to open formal technical discussions on delimiting their Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf boundaries, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries in years.

The agreement emerged from a day of intensive talks in Tripoli between Mr. Gerapetritis, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul

"We decided to advance the discussions of the technical committees concerning the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone," Mr. Gerapetritis said, emphasizing that Greece seeks a resolution grounded strictly in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The announcement is a direct challenge to the 2019 maritime memorandum signed between Libya's Tripoli-based government and Turkey — an agreement Greece considers illegal under international law because it disregards the continental shelf rights of Greek islands including Crete.

By committing to bilateral technical talks, Tripoli is signaling a willingness to engage Athens independently of Ankara.

Beyond maritime boundaries, both sides agreed to reactivate a Joint Committee to update bilateral agreements and pursue new investment in energy and construction. Migration was also on the agenda.

Mr. Gerapetritis noted that irregular flows from western Libya have fallen to near zero but warned that vigilance is needed to prevent new smuggling corridors from opening toward Crete.

A Greek business delegation is expected in Tripoli shortly to explore maritime connectivity and logistics opportunities.

Libya's internal political divisions mean a final agreement remains a distant prospect. But Monday's commitment to structured technical dialogue marks a clear departure from years of deadlock — and a meaningful shift in the Eastern Mediterranean's diplomatic landscape.

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Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis has announced that Athens and Tripoli have agreed to open formal technical discussions on delimiting their Exclusive Economic Zone and continental shelf boundaries, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough between the two countries in years.

The agreement emerged from a day of intensive talks in Tripoli between Mr. Gerapetritis, Libyan Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Dbeibah and acting Foreign Minister Al Taher Salem Al Baour.

"We decided to advance the discussions of the technical committees concerning the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone," Mr. Gerapetritis said, emphasizing that Greece seeks a resolution grounded strictly in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The announcement is a direct challenge to the 2019 maritime memorandum signed between Libya's Tripoli-based government and Turkey — an agreement Greece considers illegal under international law because it disregards the continental shelf rights of Greek islands including Crete.

By committing to bilateral technical talks, Tripoli is signaling a willingness to engage Athens independently of Ankara.

Beyond maritime boundaries, both sides agreed to reactivate a Joint Committee to update bilateral agreements and pursue new investment in energy and construction. Migration was also on the agenda.

Mr. Gerapetritis noted that irregular flows from western Libya have fallen to near zero but warned that vigilance is needed to prevent new smuggling corridors from opening toward Crete.

A Greek business delegation is expected in Tripoli shortly to explore maritime connectivity and logistics opportunities.

Libya's internal political divisions mean a final agreement remains a distant prospect. But Monday's commitment to structured technical dialogue marks a clear departure from years of deadlock — and a meaningful shift in the Eastern Mediterranean's diplomatic landscape.

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