Greece, Libya discuss military cooperation

ATHENS, Greece, Oct. 2 (UPI) -- Greece has become the latest European Union country to seek military cooperation with Libya, the Middle East Newsline reported Saturday.

Greek officials have said Athens has sought to build defense and military relations with Tripoli in what could pave the way for arms sales and upgrades for Libya's navy. The officials said Greece has the naval shipyards to conduct a range of modernization projects for the country.

The Greek effort was launched during the visit of Libyan Navy commander Vice Adm. Hamdi Shibani Sweili to Athens Sept. 27.

Among the officials Sweili met with was Greek Deputy Defense Minister Vassilis Michaloliakos, with whom officials said he discussed a framework for military cooperation.