“Geography is obviously a decisive factor in international relations. It is shaping our perception of the world, “George Gerapetritis said in his meeting with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys.

In detail his statements: ‘It is a great honor and a pleasure to be here in Vilnius, to meet my bond and close friend and to receive his warm hospitality, as well as to emphasize, once again, the importance of being united. To develop common strategies, common policies to shield the security of our countries, but also of security and prosperity in Europe.

First of all, my dear friend Kęstutis, let me congratulate you on taking up your duties. Your new duties are demanding, in very difficult times. But I think it is important to have strong people in key positions in Europe, in order to develop our common policies. This is the first bilateral visit here to Vilnius, in this beautiful country, Lithuania. And it is an excellent opportunity to further promote the potential of our cooperation and our relationships.

Geography is obviously a decisive factor in international relations. It shapes our perception of the world.

Our countries are not geographically close, but we are very close to the perceptions we have about Europe and the rules and principles based on international law. OR Greece is located in the southeastern wing of NATO and Lithuania in the east. In essence, we have this common aspect, that is, the European border. Our immediate geopolitical environment is plagued by numerous crises that threaten Europe.

I pay a visit to Lithuania In the midst of war in Ukrainealmost 3 years from the Russian invasion. From the beginning we have strongly condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and supported the territorial integrity and independence of Ukraine. It is our responsibility to do everything possible to support Ukraine and its people in order to fully regain its independence.

As far as the Middle East is concernedour attitude has been stable, based on principles and values. We warmly welcome the truce agreement and we hope there will be a long -lasting agreement to achieve stability in the region and around the world. Our concerns coincide with those of my friend and counterpart in many major challenges, including immigration and climate change. And, of course, the hybrid threats, from which we are all affected by us in a variety of ways.

First I would like to express my solidarity and our country towards the Baltic SeaFollowing the damage caused to the underwater data cable, which affected critical infrastructures. No intervention should be tolerated. And we will be completely solidarity with this. The durability and safety of our infrastructure must be a top European priority.

Due to geography, Greece and Baltic countries are coordinated on the issue of immigration. We have suffered significant violations of immigration and hybrid threats through tooling. We need to further develop common migration policy and welcome the implementation of the immigration and asylum pact within the European Union. We need to promote European Union policies, which are facing security threats, as well as the issue of effective border guarding, in accordance with the principle of solidarity and humanitarian law.

The strengthening of European security architecture is of the utmost importance, as well as ensuring that our approach is overall to meet all the challenges, including those coming from the south. We must also promote the key strategic autonomy of the European Union, as well as deepen the links between the European Union and NATO and enhance our cooperation within the Alliance.

During our conversation, we have agreed to further expand our relations to critical policies, such as defense, which is a key parameter for Europe. We also wish to work further in the context of the three seas initiative, which provides for the implementation of important interconnection projects in the fields of energy, transport and data.

Greece became the 13th member of the initiative. Our participation added a new dimension, incorporating a “fourth” sea, the Aegean Sea, into the already existing “three seas”. We have prioritized participation in initiatives promoting economic growth and cooperation, as well as cooperation in the energy sector.

It is of the utmost importance that energy cooperation results in energy security and autonomy in Europe, because there can be no European strategic autonomy without energy security. And that’s really crucial. We aspire to become an energy hub in Southeast Europe. We have developed many infrastructure projects so that we can substantially contribute to the differentiation of energy sources, with particular emphasis on green energy, renewable energy sources. And it is important to try to further develop our energy connectivity.

My dear friend, Dear KęstutisGreece has recently begun its term as an elected member of the United Nations Security Council. It would be an honor and pleasure to reflect Lithuania’s voice to the Security Council. Currently, there are some serious security concerns. It is probably the most difficult period after World War II. And it is especially important to remain united and solidarity in order to show the world the need for further peace, stability and prosperity. We look forward to working closely with Vilnius within the United Nations.

Once again, I would like to thank you for the warm hospitality. I hope I can come here on other occasions, among other things, to watch basketball with my favorite team. We will always be friends when it comes to strategic and political partnerships and allies in the European Union and NATO. Thank you very much”.