“The Greek foreign policy remains a foreign policy of principles, which will support our national interests, will support our sovereignty and sovereign rights”, underlined the Minister of Foreign Affairs Giorgos Gerapetritis in an interview with the expatriate radio station “Hellenic Echo” from Boston, where he is.

Referring to Greece-Turkey relations, the Foreign Minister emphasized that “it is extremely important that, after a period in which we had a relative difficulty in being able to communicate creatively, we have established an important channel of communication with the Turkish side, we have two governments which have a very fresh mandate from the electoral bodies and have significant political capital to proceed with discussions”.

“For us it is important, firstly, to be able to extend the time, as much as possible, of the period of calm and settlement in our region, in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. It is important that we can communicate with the opposite side without causing a crisis every time there is any difference or dichotomy”, he emphasized.

He also pointed out that there will be a series of positive measures, which will concern areas that are important for the two countries, such as civil protection, a consequence of the significant climate crisis that is occurring in the Mediterranean and which is plaguing all countries about Mediterranean and, of course, Greece and Turkey.

“And, at some point – which, however, is not the present – let’s also see our major difference, which is the delimitation of the continental shelf and the Exclusive Economic Zone”, he added.

“All this, of course, should be proven in practice,” said Mr. Gerapetritis. “Sincerity should be demonstrated consistently and consistently.”

Our fundamental priority is Cyprus

He underlined that the fundamental priority of Greek foreign policy is Cyprus and pointed out that it is extremely important to continue the discussions that are taking place and were interventions of the Greek State and the Prime Minister in the direction of the continuation of the discussions of the Republic of Cyprus with the Turkish Cypriot side, so so that there is a sustainable solution, precisely within the framework of the decisions of the United Nations Security Council and the placement of a special envoy.

He also noted that there is an overall strategic plan for foreign policy, which is based on the creation of strong alliances abroad, with countries that are protagonists on the international stage, with which our country has promoted strategic cooperation, both in Europe and and in the US, the Middle East and North Africa.

“At the moment, Greece is the strategic partner of all the major players in the world”, he stressed, pointing out the “leading role of Greece in the enlargement of the EU and especially in the integration of the Western Balkans, an integration of the countries that started with Greece in 2003 in Thessaloniki and today it gets a new boost”.

Mr. Gerapetritis referred to the situation prevailing in our wider neighborhood where “we are already experiencing a war, which is in violation of every concept of International Law, with Russia’s invasion of a country and the imposition of its sovereignty”.

He also referred to the difficulties that exist in the wider Balkan region, in Kosovo, but also in other countries such as Bosnia-Herzegovina and Albania.

“Greece is a helper of these countries, but these countries, and especially Albania, should respect the fundamental principles of the European acquis, democracy and the rule of law. No one can be beyond fundamental principles, which are promoted by European law and European culture.”

Referring to the presence of the Greek delegation led by the Prime Minister at the UN General Assembly in New York last week, he said that a series of high-profile meetings were held, with more than 20 countries bilaterally, with international organizations, tripartite collaborations of Greece and Cyprus with very important partners in the wider region and in the world, while the opportunity was given “to strengthen and consolidate Greece’s position in the international arena, which the Greek prime minister has already cultivated with great success”.

Greece is next to its compatriots

The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs pointed out that Greece stands next to its expatriates and their needs. As he recalled, the first law that came from the new government was to remove all bureaucratic difficulties for the active participation of all Greek citizens and the diaspora in the electoral procedures.

“The Greek diaspora is a huge asset, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will make every effort to mobilize. The Greeks in the metropolis and the Greeks around the world are a single chapter, who will work for the well-being of the homeland”.

“You are the ambassadors of Greece, you are the ambassadors of our country worldwide,” he stressed. “It is very important that you mobilize all your forces to promote our national interests in practice.”

“We all know how important it is for Greeks to stay united all over the world. Through this unity we look forward to further developing our national interests. What you can do is, first, to promote these ideas at all levels of social and economic life in the cities and countries where everyone is. Second, please keep your links to Greece. Keep Greece in your hearts and souls. We will stay united, because we believe that united we can do anything.”

Mr. Gerapetritis said that during his visit to Boston he will have a series of meetings, which include representatives of the diaspora, academia and the scientific field. He will still have the opportunity to visit the Greek consulate general which is a real beacon for Greek expatriates, while tomorrow he will make a series of presentations at the major educational academic institutions of Boston, Tufts and Harvard to present the positions of the Greek government , on its foreign policy.