Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs

Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great honor to participate in the Libyan-Greek Forum for Development and Reconstruction, held in the historic city of Benghazi, under the inspiring theme “Together for a Sustainable Future”. This event in a city which is becoming an emerging economic hub in the Mediterranean stands as a testament to the renewed partnership between the Greek and Libyan sides bound by geography, history and a shared vision for prosperity in the Mediterranean. I would like to stress that Greece was the first EU country to establish a Consulate General in Benghazi back in 2021.

The presence of Greek enterprises representing key sectors such as construction, infrastructure, energy, water management, shipping, education, tourism, geospatial data management, security goods and services, electrical and lighting products, telecommunications and connectivity, agriculture, legal services, reinsurance and insurance highlights our commitment to translating political dialogue into concrete economic cooperation. The Greek business community is eager to contribute its expertise, innovation and investment capacity to the Libyan reconstruction and development.

The quick implementation of new projects will be facilitated by the launch of direct flights between the two countries which began operations on October 23rd, with three fights weekly. This vital connection will not only facilitate business exchanges and trade, but also enhance mobility, tourism and people-to-people contacts, providing a strong boost to our economic and commercial ties.
In this spirit, our participation aims to mobilize the Greek private sector to build synergies with Libyan partners and to identify strategic projects that will generate Libyan long-term, sustainable growth. An important part of this effort will be the signature of MoUs and B2B meetings taking place on the sidelines of the Forum, which will enable Greek companies to engage directly with Libyan counterparts and explore specific avenues of cooperation. The Greek side stands ready to cooperate with the Libyan side in implementing initiatives that promote sustainable development, regional connectivity and green transition in full respect of Libyan priorities.

We attach great importance to deepening engagement with the Libyan side and to supporting Libyan-led efforts toward reconstruction and stability. We firmly believe that economic cooperation and investment can lay the foundation for lasting peace, reconciliation and prosperity.

Allow me to express my sincere appreciation to Eng. Belqasem Haftar, General Manager of the Fund for Development and Reconstruction (FDRL) and to all our Libyan partners for their vision and hospitality. This Forum reflects the strong will on both sides to open a new chapter in Libyan-Greek relations. One based on trust, partnership and a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
May this gathering in Benghazi set the foundation for enduring strategic cooperation, bringing prosperity to our peoples and strengthening regional cooperation across the Mediterranean region.