Officials in Benghazi have assured that the Libyan House of Representatives will not ratify the Turkey-Libya memorandum, a key concern for Greece amid rising Turkish influence.
The assurances come as Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis formally expressed Athens’ intent to deepen economic and broader ties with Benghazi during a meeting with Belgacem Haftar, director of Libya’s Development and Reconstruction Fund.
Haftar, son of military leader Khalifa Haftar and responsible for eastern Libya’s finances, visited Athens at the invitation of Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
His reception at the Maximos Mansion, the PM’s official seat, emphasized Greece’s desire for comprehensive cooperation across multiple sectors.
High-level military collaboration is also in progress. Greece is currently training 48 Benghazi Coast Guard officers at the Naval Deterrence Training Center in Hania.
Turkey, meanwhile, has cultivated ties with another Haftar son, Saddam, commander of eastern Libya’s ground forces, recently named his father’s successor.
During his visit, Haftar met with Gerapetritis at the Foreign Ministry. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lana Zochiou said discussions focused on boosting cooperation in construction, energy, investment and transportation, alongside preparations for an upcoming Greek business delegation to Benghazi this fall.
Haftar also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Haris Theoharis over a working lunch.
The delegation will include major and smaller Greek companies in construction, energy, logistics, shipping and healthcare.
Athens’ diplomatic push follows intensified Turkish efforts over the past year to court Benghazi and secure ratification of the Turkey-Libya memorandum.
In western Libya, particularly Tripoli, where Turkey exerts influence over the Dbeibah government, low-level clashes continue among militias vying for local power.