Dendias: I welcome Fatah al-Sisi’s announcement on Egypt’s maritime borders

The announcement by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on the demarcation of Egypt’s western maritime borders was welcomed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, declaring that “Greece and Egypt have continuous coordination on issues related to security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean”. . In his statements after the meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia Boujar Osmani in Athens, Nikos Dendias underlined, in fact, that the agreement between Greece and Egypt on the demarcation of Exclusive Economic Zones is a brilliant example that confirms the country’s faith us in International Law and the Law of the Sea and which contributes to stability and security in the entire region, contrary to the memorandums of understanding signed between the administration of Tripoli and Turkey.

Also, Nikos Dendias informed his counterpart from North Macedonia about Turkey’s aggressive rhetoric in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean and referring to Greece’s relations with the countries of the region, he emphasized that they have developed into partnership relations.

At the same time, with Bouyar Osmani at his side, in their joint statements after their third bilateral meeting in the last 7 months, the Foreign Minister sent the double message that Greece firmly believes in and advocates for the future of the Western Balkans in the EU, supports the North Macedonia in order to promote the necessary reforms to join the EU and that “we cannot allow third parties, who are inspired by revisionist visions”, to take advantage of the fatigue from this whole process.

FM @NikosDendias welcomed #NorthMacedonia FM @Bujar_O at @GreeceMFA

Agenda:
🔹North Macedonia’s assumption of the @OSCE Chairmanship
🔹#Western Balkans 🇪🇺course
🔹Implementation of the Prespa Agreement
🔹Strengthening bilateral relations
🔹Regional & international dvpts pic.twitter.com/A7X1wmgNWw

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs (@GreeceMFA) December 15, 2022

During their meeting, the two foreign ministers discussed bilateral relations, with Nikos Dendias underlining the importance Greece attaches to strengthening them. “Greece is the closest partner and ally in the region, without any hidden agenda” he made clear and conveyed: “You can always count on our friendship and our support.” Continuing in the same spirit, he pointed out that Greece’s support was confirmed with the clear position as well as with the consistent efforts in favor of the integration of North Macedonia into the EU, and also through the organization of the first Intergovernmental Conference between Greece and North Macedonia. As he underlined, the “Political Intergovernmental Conference of North Macedonia – EU” sent a clear message, not only for North Macedonia, but also for the European perspective of all the Western Balkans.

Focusing on bilateral cooperation, they discussed issues of energy, economy, connectivity, with Nikos Dendias underlining that the two countries can cooperate in the context of common interests, such as renewable energy sources, green energy, the defense industry, “something that is for the benefit of both countries, but also of NATO”. Also, the Greek Foreign Minister said that they discussed the strategic importance of the Interconnector between Greece and North Macedonia and how important the aerial surveillance of the country by the Greek Air Force, which began in 2019, is, congratulating his counterpart. of North Macedonia for alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign & Security Policy.

Regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Foreign Minister stated that “all our efforts are aimed at supporting the Ukrainian people” and emphasized that for Greece the answer is always simple and has to do with the fundamental pillars of the foreign of policy, which is respect for the territorial integrity, national sovereignty and independence of all states, as well as refraining from the use of force or the threat of use of force.

Furthermore, Nikos Dendias congratulated North Macedonia on taking over, in a few days, the chairmanship of the OSCE for 2023 and wished every success. He added that it will be quite a difficult mission, after a difficult year, during which the European continent faced and continues to face the destructive and aggressive invasion. However, he expressed his confidence that North Macedonia will do everything it can so that the OSCE fulfills its mission and promotes security in Europe. In fact, he announced that Greece will provide all possible support in this effort. He also estimated that during the presidency of North Macedonia “we will see some solutions” for the issue of Ukraine.

After the joint statements, Nikos Dendias will host a working lunch with Bouyar Osmani, during which they are expected to discuss issues of bilateral cooperation and trade, regional and global cooperation, as well as security in Europe, and the invasion of Ukraine.

Bouyar Osmani: An example of good neighborliness, the relationship between Greece and North Macedonia

For his part, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of North Macedonia expressed his satisfaction with his visit to Athens today. “It is always very pleasant to be in Athens among partners and friends” he pointed out, describing the climate between the two countries. In support, Boujar Osmani stated that he is particularly satisfied that the relationship between North Macedonia and Greece provides a true example of good neighborliness. “An example of how we can build a long and stable partnership, based on mutual trust and respect” he added.

In particular, he referred to the agreement between the two countries on their strategic relationship, noting that the Prespa Agreement is the basis for further cooperation, as well as for further strengthening of mutual relations.

In fact, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia expressed his appreciation for “the support that Greece has offered in the context of his country’s accession policy”. A support, he added, that North Macedonia expects Greece to continue to provide, through the exchange of experience and knowledge.

He also expressed his appreciation for the cooperation with Greece within the framework of the NATO alliance.

Furthermore, it became clear that the good political relations between the two countries have created new conditions for the development of economic cooperation. Indicatively, he said that after the Prespa Agreement, since 2018, the total trade between the two countries has increased by 100%, from 853 million euros, this year it will exceed 1.6 billion euros. These are excellent results, he underlined and expressed his firm belief that the two countries can improve them further. He also noted that Greek direct investments in North Macedonia, which are 620 million euros, have a large share of his country’s GDP and expressed his desire to strengthen business relations and economic cooperation.

Referring to Serbia and Kosovo, the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia said that they face difficult challenges that actually lead to a sense of insecurity in the wider region, and therefore, as he proposed, a comprehensive solution mediated by the EU and the US will ensure stability and security for the wider region. At this point, he went on to state that Europe, as a whole, is facing perhaps the most difficult security crisis since World War II. In this context, he condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine, saying that it violates all the rules of International Law and the UN Charter. “These principles are also valuable for any member of the international alliance,” he added.

Regarding his country’s assumption of the OSCE chairmanship for 2023, the foreign minister of North Macedonia outlined his country’s policy. “We will defend the principles and commitments of the OSCE,” he said.

Finally, Boujar Osmani sent an invitation to Nikos Dendias to visit Skopje, in order to “reaffirm the excellent relations and continue the long friendship between the two countries”.

RES-EMP

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