A first meeting with United States Foreign Minister Marco Rubio today was in Washington, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. The two Foreign Ministry discussed issues related to the two countries’ bilateral relations, regional cooperation, but also in the international environment, such as the War in Ukraine and the Middle East.

The Greek Foreign Minister spoke to ERT and Greek correspondents after his meeting with the US Secretary of State.

G. GREATRITIS: I had the opportunity today to have a first meeting with the United States Foreign Minister, Marco Rubio. We had an extensive discussion. We have talked about about 45 minutes on all issues related to bilateral relations, regional cooperation, and the international environment.

We discussed the strategic relationship that links Greece to the United States. The very high point of these bilateral relations today and the margin available to grow even further with the new US administration at all levels, in economy, tourism, commerce, energy, relations between people. The Greek Diaspora is always a very powerful pole in the United States, a bridge that unites the two peoples.

We discussed with the Foreign Minister and the issues concerning Ukraine and the Middle East.

Especially on the issue of Ukraine, I noted that Europe remains faithful to a fair and sustainable solution to the Ukrainian people. And regardless of the public controversy, which has existed today, it remains the obligation of Europe to upgrade its defense infrastructure. But the support of the United States is necessary.

In the midst of multiple crisis and in the Middle East, a solution should be found, which will ensure peace and prosperity in the region. It will ensure the security of Israel, but on the other hand it will ensure the future for the Palestinian people. The wider area should finally fall into a state of long peace.

Greece, as a member of the United Nations Security Council at the heart of international developments, is able to leave a strong diplomatic footprint. Greece is discussing with everyone. It is the bridge between the East and the West, the North and the South.

And we look forward to further cooperation with the US government, so that on the one hand, our bilateral relations can significantly improve, but on the other hand, we jointly contribute to the consolidation of regional and international peace.

Journalist: A few words about the climate you received in Congress as a whole.

G. GREATRITIS: This week I had the opportunity to talk to the chairments of the Foreign Affairs, House and Senate Committees, as well as with a series of senators and with the Greek -American MPs. The impression, which I obtained, is that Greece has a very powerful diplomatic capital. It has great respect for the international community.

The American Congress stands on the sensitivities of the Greek government and the Greek state.

We will continue to have a very powerful footprint. We will talk to everyone.

Greece is always able to be able to discuss in terms of international law. And for this reason, the feeling is that, over time, we will embrace even better relations with the United States Parliament, as well as with the new US administration.