Navigating Diplomatic Waters: Greece and Libya Strengthen Maritime Ties

Libyan coast guard officers have begun training on the Greek island of Crete, aiming to bolster cooperation and manage the increasing influx of migrants, according to Greek sources on Wednesday.

Greek-Libyan relations have faced challenges following a 2019 maritime agreement between the Tripoli-based Libyan government and Turkey, a country often at odds with Greece. Recent developments, such as Greece's hydrocarbon ventures near Crete, have further intensified tensions.

Amid a rise in migrant arrivals from North Africa, Greece deployed frigates off Libyan shores and enacted laws restricting asylum applications from Libyan arrivals. Coast guard officers from both eastern and western Libya are participating in training efforts, as Greece seeks dialogue with both factions of Libya's divided governance, particularly about maritime boundaries.

(With inputs from agencies.)