Interview about the developments in the Middle East and Greece’s attitude towards them, the Ministry of Foreign AffairsGeorge Gerapetritisin the Al Arabiya.

The Greek Foreign Minister stated that at the moment, as a result of the war in Gaza, there are two regional problems. One comes from northern Israel and the involvement of Hezbollah and the other from the Houthis, in the Red Sea, because of which “there is significant concern”.

For Greek-Turkish

“With Turkey we are neighboring countries and geography unites us, so we must learn to live together. The truth is that there are strong historical burdens from the past and now we are trying to enter a new phase of good neighborly relations and more honest interaction” said Mr Gerapetritis.

Asked about how Greece deals with the migratory wave from Turkey, the Greek Foreign Minister said: “In the last eight months we have developed a more comprehensive policy with Turkey on this issue. We are in talks with the police and the coast guard. And we managed to reduce migration flows and pursue traffickers operating in the wider region.”

“It is important to reactivate the joint declaration between the European Union and Turkey in order to improve the return ratio. There needs to be an international cooperation on migration, because we expect that there will be an increase in flows in the near future,” he also emphasized.

For Cypriot – Southern Mediterranean

When asked how the approach of the two countries will be reflected in regional issues, the situation in Cyprus and the dispute over natural gas in the Eastern Mediterranean, Mr. Gerapetritis replied:

“If we manage to improve the bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey, this will positively affect the Cypriot.

We have different view from Turkey in this topic. We fully comply – and we are very strict about it – with the decisions of his Security Council UN for a two-zone, bicommunal federation in Cyprus, which will allow both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots to coexist under a single federal state. So yes we have a different opinion. But I am very positive and believe that the Cypriot government also shares this view, that is, that the improvement of our bilateral relations with Turkey will also improve the situation in Cyprus.

Clearly, I welcome the appointment by the United Nations of the new Special Envoy, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ms Cuéllar. And I think that’s a good indication for the resumption of talks. Because regardless of one’s positions, I think it is very important to participate in deliberative processes. We need to discuss and we hope that soon we will have some developments on this matter.

As for the energy corridors, we continue to work. It is absolutely necessary to strengthen further project plans that will allow us to create energy bridges between the Middle East and the Far East with Europe. And Greece has a particularly pivotal role to play in this matter.

On the war in Gaza, Mr Gerapetritis explained that Greece supports the decisions of his Security Council UN regarding the two-state solution in the territorial boundaries of 1967.

“I think we have to work for her humanitarian aid, as well as how to achieve a sustainable cessation of hostilities in order to develop a more sustainable ceasefire and peace. What is important in my opinion right now is that there is a coalition of governments and leaders in order to promote the idea of ​​a viable solutionhe characteristically said.

Asked whether Greece will accept refugees from Gaza, if requested, the Greek minister clarified that such a request will be accepted in the context of humanitarian aid, if there is a medical reason.

“In the event that there is a situation that needs to be addressed further, for example, if there is a medical case that needs to be addressed, we would welcome any Palestinian who would need immediate medical attention. And we have conveyed this to the parties involved. In addition, I believe it is important that people remain in their homelands,” he said characteristically.