The President of SYRIZA-PS, Alexis Tsipras, met today the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken with whom they talked about Greek-American and Greek-Turkish relations and the developments in Ukrainian.

In this context, the President of SYRIZA-PS emphasized the importance of the development of multi-level Greek-American strategic cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis, in a way that will strengthen the role of Greece as a pillar of peace and stability, as well as an energy and economic pillar in the new architecture of the area.

He emphasized that the war in Ukraine led to greater tension in Greek-Turkish relations, with an increase in Turkish aggression and competition in NATO’s southern wing. He added that the role of the US cannot be limited to selling weapons to Greece and issuing statements following violations, nor to sending messages of tolerance to Turkish aggression (Eastmed pipeline, F-16 sale).

In addition, he underlined that the climate of solidarity and cooperation after the deadly earthquakes in Turkey must be exploited to create a new dynamic in Greek-Turkish relations by promoting a meaningful dialogue based on international law with a view to appealing to The Hague for a continental shelf/EEZ. In this context, he emphasized that the US has a critical role to play in putting pressure on Turkey to advance this dialogue with two clear red lines that are consistent with the principles they highlight internationally – Greece’s territorial integrity and its right to defend its territorial integrity of its islands with a military presence.

At the same time, he pointed out that every effort must be made after the elections to restart the talks for a fair and sustainable solution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of the UN Resolutions, without guarantees and occupying troops. In this context, the President of SYRIZA-PS referred to the proposals he has submitted both for the interconnection of Greek-Turkish and Euro-Turkish relations, as well as for the expansion of Greece’s territorial waters in the Eastern Mediterranean and the delimitation of the EEZ/coastline with neighboring countries, with Cyprus on the table.

At the same time, he underlined the need to make every effort by the international community to end the illegal and bloody Russian invasion of Ukraine and Moscow’s return to diplomacy. He added that it is the choice of each country how to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their struggle, based on its principles, its geopolitical position and the threats it faces. Finally, he emphasized that Greece has the potential to contribute in ways that are consistent with its role as a pillar of peace and stability in the region, without sending military equipment and even from its islands.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs participated in the meeting Giorgos Katrougalos, the Deputy Head of Defense Giorgos Tsipras and the diplomatic advisor of the President of SYRIZA-PS, Vangelis Kalpadakis.