Greece and Libya will begin official discussions on defining their maritime boundaries "very shortly," Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis announced, a significant development in a region marked by competing energy and territorial claims.
In a radio interview over the weekend, Mr. Gerapetritis said technical committees from both nations are set to meet. He also noted his own upcoming meetings this week with representatives from both of Libya's rival administrations.
"Greece is the only European country engaging at the highest level with leaderships of both Libyan sides," he said.
The foreign minister highlighted that the contentious 2019 maritime agreement between Turkey and a previous Libyan government, which Greece deems illegal, has still not been ratified by the Libyan parliament.
Regarding relations with Turkey, Mr. Gerapetritis said that while significant differences remain, a structured dialogue between Athens and Ankara over the past two years has helped to de-escalate tensions in the Aegean.
He reaffirmed that Greece will never negotiate on issues of national sovereignty.
Mr. Gerapetritis also defended the government's stance on Palestinian statehood, stating that Greece supports a two-state solution and will recognize a Palestinian state at a time deemed appropriate to advance a political settlement under U.N. auspices, rather than through a unilateral declaration.