Libya's Foreign Ministry protests Greek bid round for hydrocarbon exploration south of Crete

Libya Observer

20-06-2025

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Libya's Government of National Unity has expressed deep concern over a report in the European Journal stating that Greek authorities have launched an international bidding round for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation permits in maritime areas south of Crete—some of which lie within contested zones with Libya.
In a statement issued Thursday, the ministry condemned the move as a clear violation of Libya's sovereign rights, stressing its full reservation and outright objection to any exploratory or drilling activities in these areas without prior legal understanding that respects international law.
The ministry emphasized that Libya has always sought to make the Mediterranean Basin a space for cooperation, peace, and shared development among all coastal states, warning that unilateral actions will only lead to greater tension and complications.
The statement concluded by urging Greek authorities to act responsibly, take into account the deep historical ties between the two nations, and prioritize constructive dialogue and negotiation as the only viable path toward fair and lawful solutions that safeguard the interests of all parties involved. Tags: Ministry of Foreign Affairs Greece