“It goes without saying that Turkey’s path towards the EU goes through the respect of international law and fundamental rights, as well as all the conditions set by EU law,” said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritiscoming today to the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, where, among other things, the perspective of Euro-Turkish relations will be discussed.

The entire statement of Mr. Gerapetritis is as follows:

“I am coming to the EU Foreign Affairs Council for the first time as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic. My presence coincides with a black anniversary for Hellenism, the illegal invasion of Turkey in Cyprus, on July 20, 1974.

During the Council we will have the opportunity to discuss with my ministerial counterparts the continued aggression of Russia in Ukraine and to exchange views on security issues with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.

In addition, I will inform my counterparts about the development in Greek-Turkish relations after the meeting of the leaders of the two countries at the NATO Summit in Vilnius and I will highlight the prospects that open up after this meeting.

Finally, we will refer to Greek-Turkish relations. It goes without saying that Turkey’s path towards the EU goes through the respect of international law and fundamental rights, as well as all the conditions set by EU law. I look forward to a cordial cooperation for the good of the European family.”