The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Giorgos Gerapetritis, participated, yesterday, in a Ministerial Working Dinner for the Middle East, which was organized by the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Policy and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, as well as the President of the International Peace Institute Think Tank Zei Ra’ad Al Hussein.

The lunch took place at the offices of the International Peace Institute in New York, where Mr. Gerapetritis began his contacts in the context of the work of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly.

During the meal, the latest developments in the Middle East crisis were discussed and ways to de-escalate the tension were explored.

Mr. Gerapetritis emphasized that Greece is ready to contribute to all necessary peace effortsas an honest mediator who enjoys the trust of all parties involved.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to the urgent need for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, addressing the humanitarian crisis and preventing further expansion of hostilities, while he reiterated the Greek position in favor of the creation of two states based on the 1967 borders.

From the point of view of the Arab interlocutors, appreciation was expressed for the consistent position of principles followed by Greece in the Middle East crisis.