Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos talked by phone today with Libyan Foreign Minister Ashour Bin Khayal.
During their conversation, which took place in a friendly climate, Mr. Avramopoulos, having congratulated his counterpart on the recent carrying out of Libya’s first free elections, underscored Greece’s firm will to strengthen and further deepen the traditional ties of friendship between Greece and Libya, inviting his counterpart to visit Greece. The Libyan Foreign Minister noted Libya’s desire for closer cooperation with Greece in all sectors, and the two Ministers agreed to intensify contacts between the two countries on issues of mutual interest.
Mr. Avramopoulos stressed the importance to Greece of the speedy resolution of the problems that have arisen regarding payment of the healthcare and accommodation expenditures of Greek hospitals and hotels, reiterating Greece’s firm will to facilitate the provision of medical services, given the deficiency in Libyan healthcare infrastructure in the wake of the conflict. The two Ministers agreed to stay in touch on the issue and look into the potential for further cooperation in additional sectors.
July 19, 2012