Tripoli, Libya – The Speaker of the Libyan House of Representatives, Aguila Saleh, is heading to Athens on Friday, December 5, 2025, for an official meeting with the Greek Foreign Minister, George Gerapetris.
Aguila Saleh’s visit comes amid regional tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. It aims to strengthen cooperation between Athens and the House of Representatives (which is close to Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar’s camp).
This visit is particularly significant given Turkey’s growing rapprochement with eastern Libya. Greece seeks to bolster its influence in the region and counter the flow of illegal migration across Libyan territory, according to Greek media.
The Turkish-Libyan memorandum of understanding is at stake.
The maritime memorandum of understanding signed between the former Libyan Government of National Accord and Turkey in 2019 is the most prominent point of discussion. Greece views this memorandum, which grants Turkey access to vast economic zones in the eastern Mediterranean (particularly south of Crete), as a threat to its interests.
It is expected that Aguila Saleh will discuss the possibility of amending or canceling the memorandum, especially since the House of Representatives has not yet ratified it, and given reports of a potential Turkish rapprochement with Haftar’s camp.
Saleh’s goals: elections and support for the army
Aguila Saleh is seen as a representative of eastern Libya, and his visit is part of his strategy to garner international support against the Government of National Accord in Tripoli. Saleh seeks to discuss mechanisms for holding national elections. He also supports the Libyan National Army in its fight against what he calls the “chaos” in Tripoli.
Greece is involved in efforts to support eastern Libya in countering growing Turkish influence. The meeting is expected to emphasize the need for institutional stability in Libya. This must be based on respect for international norms and the balance of power in the Eastern Mediterranean.
