The request for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures is a request that arises from law, from history and from universal cultural values, emphasized the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, when asked about his meeting with his British counterpart, David Cameron, upon his arrival for the second day of the NATO Foreign Ministers’ Summit in Brussels.

At the same time, he underlined that “regardless of this, it is our belief that the bilateral relations between Greece and the United Kingdom should be good and we will work with my counterpart in this direction”. Regarding the meeting with his American counterpart, Anthony Blinken, Mr. Gerapetritis pointed out that “we had the opportunity to confirm the excellent relations between the United States and Greece, to work on the issues that are currently at the cutting edge of the regional and international debate, to organize our next steps which include my visit to Washington and of course to evaluate the position of Greece, the creative position of Greece in the Middle East issue where as a reliable player, Greece can perform an important mediating role’. Also, the Minister of Foreign Affairs noted that he considers it extremely important for the Alliance to emphasize the South as well.

In particular, Mr. Gerapetritis said: “An extremely productive two-day event within the framework of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the North Atlantic Alliance comes to an end today. We discussed important issues and today the Council of Foreign Ministers is going to be held for the first time between NATO and Ukraine. The position of the Greek government is in favor of rapprochement with Ukraine, so as to strengthen ties with the Alliance.

I pointed out that I consider it extremely important for the Alliance to emphasize the South as well. What is happening today in Gaza and in the wider Middle East region, the immigration issue as well as the events in North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa call for a special approach and emphasis on this region. It is also important for the perception that the Arab world has, but also Africa, in relation to the Atlantic Alliance.

In addition, I had the opportunity to discuss with my counterparts in bilateral meetings critical issues concerning bilateral relations, but also regional and international issues.”

On the meetings with David Cameron and Anthony Blinken, the Foreign Secretary said: “The Greek government was specifically positioned in relation to the cancellation of the Prime Minister’s meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Mr Sunak. What I want to point out is that the request for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures is a request that arises from law, from history and from universal cultural values. Regardless, it is our belief that the bilateral relations between Greece and the United Kingdom should be good and we will work with my counterpart in this direction.

With the Minister, Mr. Blinken, we had the opportunity to confirm the excellent relations between the United States and Greece, to elaborate on the issues that are currently at the forefront of regional and international debate, to organize our next steps in which include my visit to Washington and of course to assess the position of Greece, the creative position of Greece in the Middle East issue where as a reliable player, Greece can perform an important mediating role”.