Photo credit: Greek reporter
Greece has dispatched senior coast guard officials to Libya in a bid to strengthen cooperation and curb the rising flow of irregular migrants heading toward the island of Crete.
Libya Review reports that the move highlights the growing European concern over migration routes from North Africa.
Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs, Vasilis Kikilias, confirmed that two high-ranking coast guard officers have been sent to Libya following coordination with the Foreign Ministry. He added that a third officer will be permanently stationed at the Greek consulate in Libya to improve coordination with Libyan coast guard authorities.
The move comes as Greece seeks to address increasing migration flows departing eastern Libya toward southern Crete. Officials in Athens are aiming to enhance direct communication and operational coordination to intercept migrant boats closer to Libyan shores.
Kikilias stated that Greece is working with Libyan authorities to manage migration at its source, emphasizing the importance of cooperation in limiting departures. He noted that tackling the issue early is key to reducing pressure on Greek islands.
