N. KOTZIAS: We picked up the thread of foreign policy over the last two-to-three years overall. We came to re-strengthen our relations with Libya and to talk with my colleague, the country’s Foreign Minister, about matters of political, economic, cultural and educational cooperation. We looked at ways in which we can help Libya to improve its communication and intensify its relationship with the European Union. We talked about and agreed on forms of cooperation on all levels, as concerns the two Foreign Ministries, and we discussed the prospects we will have for cooperation between the two states, Greece and Libya, in tourism and in the management of the major migration problem. It is well known that Libya doesn’t ‘send’ migrants. In fact the migration flows pass through this country and, as such, right now there are over a million people from Central Africa on Libyan territory.
JOURNALIST: With regard to the migration problem, what controls can Libya implement?
N. KOTZIAS: Libya had put together a programme two years ago; a programme that needed a large investment of over €600 million -- today, perhaps €1 billion -- for electronic monitoring and control of its southern borders. The European Union has yet to find the money or the willingness, but it needs to do so for this programme to be implemented in collaboration with Libya.
JOURNALIST: With regard to the other major issue, the strengthening of Libya’s territorial integrity and unity?
N. KOTZIAS: We stressed the need for there to be cooperation between forces that are against terrorism, and, in fact, we said that we are always at the disposal of Libya and other states in the region for mediation. As you know, our country very often facilitates talks between third countries, without publicity, and I think that we once again strengthened the ties of friendship we have had with this region and its people since antiquity.
JOURNALIST: When will the Greek Embassy in Libya be opening, Mr. Minister?
N. KOTZIAS: Our Secretary General, Mr. Paraskevopoulos, went and saw it today. It is in a very good location, I would say, in comparison with other Embassies. It is situated between the Libyan supreme court and a large police station, so there is security, and in December we will send a technical committee to look at issues of water supply, electricity supply, etc., which have to be settled. At the beginning of next year we will proceed to the appointment of an Ambassador to Libya.
JOURNALIST: Is there a prospect of a trilateral cooperation configuration with Libya, Mr. Minister?
N. KOTZIAS: We want to do it, but we have to overcome a number of problems -- not our problems, but Libya’s.
JOURNALIST: Concerning the cooperation we proposed with regard to the training of the Libyan coast guard?
N. KOTZIAS: Yes, we have already started, and, in fact, they proposed that we also help them train the Presidential Guard. In general, as you know, our country has a tradition of training military officers from many North African countries. The training actions strengthen the friendship between Greece and Libya a great deal. I formulated a proposal and I told them that we are also prepared to contribute with two scholarships for persons who want to study European affairs and do a graduate degree in Greece.
JOURNALIST: Are discussions taking place regarding the EEZ?
N. KOTZIAS: For Libya, the EEZ is not an issue to be dealt with at this time, but we will certainly deal with it in the future.
JOURNALIST: Thank you very much.
November 28, 2016