Greece is embarking on a significant diplomatic endeavor as it begins its tenure on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis, who will be visiting New York, described this opportunity as key to enhancing Greece's role on the international stage. Speaking to the ethnic community newspaper 'Ethnikos Kiryx,' he emphasized the importance of Greece's active participation during a turbulent geopolitical period.
The minister stated, "Greece is becoming, over the next two years, co-producer of the global security architecture during a particularly challenging geopolitical moment." He highlighted the pressing issues to be discussed at the upcoming UN General Assembly and the UNSC, including the war in Ukraine and the crises in the Middle East. Recently, he completed initial consultations across the Middle East, visiting Qatar, Jerusalem, Ramallah, Amman, Abu Dhabi, and Damascus, as well as New Delhi.
During these discussions, Gerapetritis noted, he had productive talks with his Indian counterpart about the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC). He underlined Greece's strategic geographic position, stating, "Greece is actively present in its wider neighborhood, where historic changes are taking place. We cannot afford to be mere spectators of these developments. We must be part of and shape them."
Building on the strategic ties with the United States, Gerapetritis reaffirmed the deep-rooted relationship between the two nations, mentioning the cooperation with the previous Trump administration. He expressed hope for similar collaboration moving forward, stating, "We have every reason to believe something similar will happen now."
Gerapetritis discussed the necessity for the European Union (EU) to adapt to the changing international backdrop. Targeting the enhancement of the EU's role and efficiency, he stated, "It is necessary to upgrade the role and dynamic of the EU at every level to successfully meet the challenges of the difficult-to-predict international environment."
Highlighting Greece's commitment to principles and dialogue, he affirmed Greece's intent to resolve conflicts through diplomatic means and respect for international law, emphasizing, "Greece does not take advantage of opportunities but remains committed to principles and values, settling disputes through diplomacy and dialogue with respect for international law and the UN Charter."
Gerapetritis elaborated on the responsibilities associated with Greece's position on the UNSC. He recognized it as both great honor and significant responsibility, remarking, "Greece has managed to emerge from successive crises—economic, migration, health, energy, and geopolitical—and develop a strong international footprint. Thanks to our commitment to international law and the establishment of honest relations with countries worldwide, we look to become a bridge between North and South, East and West. But with this role come great responsibilities.”
He acknowledged the complex international environment, pointing out, "About one-fourth of countries find themselves involved in some form of conflict or tension, and Greece will do everything possible to restore the true meaning of peaceful resolutions to disputes as enshrined in the UN Charter."
Gerapetritis addressed the dialogue with Turkey, stressing the need for earnest discussions to resolve differences, explaining, "For dialogue to be effective, it must be structured and sincere. The structured dialogue with Turkey has effectively reduced airspace violations and boosted cooperation on migration, increasing the flow of Turkish visitors to the islands of the Eastern Aegean.”
Although he acknowledged the long-standing divergences with Turkey, he underscored, "Greece has made it clear from the outset it will not discuss sovereignty issues. We recognize only one difference, which can be referred to international jurisdiction: the delimitation of continental shelf and exclusive economic zone. Turkey continues to link this discussion with the resolution of other issues, which cannot be accepted.”
Concluding his comments on the necessity for continued dialogue, he added, "We do not have the luxury of inertia and immobility."
Minister George Gerapetritis is set to formally announce the beginning of Greece's tenure on the UNSC at a special event on February 24, 2025, at 10:00 AM, before attending sessions focused on Ukraine and the Middle East. This visit will not only highlight Greece's commitment to international diplomacy but will also serve as a platform for discussions with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and representatives of the Greek diaspora.