Foreign ministers of Italy and Greece held a meeting in Rome Tuesday to talk over common issues, including the situation in Libya.
Following the meeting, the two officials reiterated at a press conference the need for the withdrawal of all foreign fighters from Libya, confirming the congruence of their vision and consensus regarding the Libyan file.
Italian Foreign minister Luigi Di Maio stressed the need for coordinating positions on the Libya file, especially the importance of holding the elections as scheduled, on December 24.
In the same context, Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias said that the France summit proposed for the next few days is of prime importance to the peace process in Libya.
In an interview with the Italian Nova news agency, Dendias added, "the situation in Libya needs guidance, and the Libyan society needs the EU help to re-establish a just state," confirming the need to establish "a new state in Libya."
"This will not happen automatically, but the European Union must remain committed to Libya in the long term," the top Greek diplomat says, warning that if the EU neglects its duties towards Libya, other actors will intervene and create more problems.
He indicated that Libya, for geographical and cultural reasons, is very close to the European Union, and for this reason, the block should not take its eyes off what is happening in the region.
"We should not look at the Mediterranean as a space separating Libya from the European Union, but historically, the sea has long linked the peoples of North Africa and Europe," Dendias added.
According to the Greek minister, the EU's continued support to the North African country will be a factor in rebuilding the state and would facilitate the exit of mercenaries from the country, and help transform Libya into a vibrant democracy and a modern state.