There can be no strategic autonomy in Europe without energy security, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis said on Tuesday, after his meeting with his Latvian counterpart, Biba Braze in Riga.

“We have to deal with Russian aggression in Ukraine together. We have to deal with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East,” Mr Gerapetritis also stressed.

The statements by George Gerapetritis in detail

G. G. It is a great honor and a pleasure to be in Riga today, making an official visit to this historic city. But above all, this is a visit to a friendly country and a friendly foreign minister who has an international diplomatic footprint. And I would like to explicitly state how much I appreciate our coordination at the international time.

The truth is that there is a great geographical distance between our countries. However, I think we have commonalities in terms of the challenges we face. We have common security challenges, hybrid threats, migration, climate crisis. There are many similarities between us.

And that’s why we decided with my girlfriend and counterpart to really develop a common understanding, to be in constant communication. We are unanimous states in many aspects, both in bilateral and regional and international issues.

We have to deal with Russian aggression in Ukraine together. We have to deal with the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Almost a quarter of the whole world is currently in some form of conflict and tension. We must work together in order to restore peace and prosperity.

Greece, as a member of the UN Security Council for the two-year period 2025-2026, also reflects the voice of Latvia in the United Nations. And we wish you good luck for your nomination next year. Thank you very much Biba.

Journalist: You discussed energy security. What is your message about Europe?

G. G. We are moving towards geopolitical Europe, to Europe’s strategic autonomy. And I think you don’t There may be autonomy in Europe without energy security. It is truly vital to develop energy differentiation methods. And the truth is that in the last three years we have developed many new tools. It is important for Europe to act united in order to meet energy security challenges. Because there can be no strategically autonomous Europe without energy security. And that is why we are trying to develop our energy differentiation and green energy throughout Europe.

Journalist: Question on the revision of decision -making processes to the UN and Greece’s participation in the Security Council.

G. G. The truth is that the international security architecture was built after World War II on the basis of negativity. And this negativity is provided to strong countries. I think it’s time to rethink the decision -making process at the United Nations, as well as the Synthesis of the Security Council. I think it has been proven in the last three years that major decisions, substantial decisions, under international law, cannot be made because of the rights of negativity. So, I think it’s time to review international security architecture. And I think it will be a great opportunity for us in the next two years and in our presidency, in May 2025, to start working for a more effective but also rules -based world through a new system of the Security Council and the United Nations.