Prime Minister George Papandreou met with visiting Libyan Prime Minister al-Baghdadi Ali al-Mahmoudi on Friday, stressing afterwards that new prospects are being opened for stronger relations between Athens and Tripoli.

Papandreou underlined that the meeting focused on the sectors of energy, renewable energy sources (RES), construction and tourism.

He referred to friendly relations of the two countries and underlined that the international community recognises Libya's important place (ANA-MPA) and has restored relations with the country.

Papandreou stressed that "Libya plays a very important role in the Mediterranean region and serves as gateway of communication with African states." He also announced that he will visit the country soon.

On his part, the Libyan prime minister referred to the close bilateral relations and focused on cooperation in the sectors of energy, power production, telecoms, RES, natural gas, infrastructures, tourism, sea transport and the prospects of Libyan investments in Greece.