I express my deepest sorrow for the tragic death of the five members of the Greek humanitarian aid mission in Libya“, notes the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis in his announcement about the tragic event of the Greek humanitarian aid mission in the Libyan city of Derna.

“In these difficult times, our thoughts are all with the families of the deceased, to whom I extend my sincere condolences.”

“I wish the injured a speedy recovery. Today the country is mourning”, he concludes.

Mr Gerapetritis made the above statement in New York where he is in the context of the 78th UN General Assembly while a cycle of meetings and contacts has already begun. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to arrive on Tuesday night, as on Wednesday he has a scheduled meeting with the Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, while on Thursday he will address the UN General Assembly.

Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers

Mr. Gerapetritis’ program begins with the meeting of the foreign ministers of the European Union, in which the head of European diplomacy will also participate, Jose Borel. The meeting will discuss the Russian attack on Ukraine, the fragile security situation in the Sahel, the escalating tension between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and the Middle East peace process.

For his part, the Greek Foreign Minister will report in the multi-level assistance provided by Greece to Ukraine and will emphasize the role that our country can play in mitigating the effects of the food crisis, which worsened after Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea initiative. Mr. Gerapetritis will make a special report in the ports of Thessaloniki and Alexandroupoli which can act as alternative gateways for the export of Ukrainian grain.

Regarding the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, the foreign minister will emphasize the importance of making progress in bilateral negotiations for the peaceful settlement of outstanding issues. In fact, it will place particular emphasis on humanitarian issues, which are becoming topical due to the worsening of the humanitarian crisis observed due to the ongoing blockade of the Lachin Corridor by Azerbaijan. Greece firmly supports the relevant European positions and appeals for compliance to the Azeri side.

Regarding the situation in the Sahel, Giorgos Gerapetritis will emphasize the need to restore constitutional order in Niger, given that a series of risks looms, ranging from the further worsening of the humanitarian crisis to the spread of instability and the re-emergence of the phenomenon of piracy. Such a development would constitute a direct threat to international transit trade and the Greek-owned fleet.

High Level Meeting on the Middle East Peace Process

Afterwards, the Greek minister will take part in a high-level meeting on the Middle East peace process entitled “The Peace Day Effort – A new Effort for the Middle East”. The meeting will be attended by foreign ministers and high-ranking officials from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, the EU and the Arab League.

The remainder of Monday’s program includes an event organized by the Chancellor Olaf Solz and the German Foreign Minister, Analena Burbok, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Germany’s admission to the UN. In addition, Mr. Gerapetritis will attend a gathering organized by the Greek-American organizations.

Finally, the Greek Foreign Minister will have bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Uzbekistan and Ecuador in the context of promoting the Greek candidacy for the position of non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2025-2026. The opening of the Greek Embassy in Tashkent will also be one of the topics that Mr. Gerapetritis and his Uzbek counterpart will discuss.