The message that the Hellas walks on the basis of respect of International Law and the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of all States in accordance with Map of UNthe Foreign Minister said in an interview with Real News Nikos Dendias. In fact, he stressed that the new situation with the growing risks requires stability, respect for international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the avoidance of conflicts in the wider region. In light of this, he said it was vital to denounce any revisionism.
At the same time, he stressed that the country cooperates with its allies and partners in international organizations, in which it participates and co-decides, such as the European Union and NATO,
In the context of these principles, he explains, when the European Union decided in concert sanctions in Russia for invasion of the last in Ukraine “We have joined forces with our partners, because all countries that accept international law can only have a common and strong stance.”
At the same time, he stressed that all countries that want to have a European perspective must align themselves with these positions.
Regarding her issue defense armaments mission in Ukrainestated that from the moment it was decided to strengthen it, the Hellasas a statemember of EU, could not but contribute to this effort. “Fully respecting our principles and values, we are helping a country that is fighting for its existence and independence in the face of an invasion that violates international law, causing untold pain and destruction. The issue is fundamental and cannot be misinterpreted “, he stressed and made it clear that as a member of the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, he fully agrees with its decisions.
Greece stands by the Greek community in Ukraine
The Greek state stands by the Greek community in Ukraine, said the Foreign Minister and put as a first concern the provision of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians. “That is why we have made formal requests to Ukraine to facilitate the sending of aid to the wintering population of Mariupol, a city founded by Greeks 250 years ago, as well as to Russia so as not to obstruct the flow of such aid,” he said. and recalled his intention to go to Mariupol in order to ensure the unimpeded transfer of aid.
He made it clear that the need to protect the Greek community is a key issue for his interlocutors, such as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and High Representative Josep Borrell. It is also in close coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and its President Peter Maurer.
Secondly, he referred to the creation of a reception group in Romania, which consists of Foreign Ministry officials, “who, with their dedication to duty and a sense of self-sacrifice, have already helped evacuate Greek citizens, as well as members of the Greek community from Ukraine. And they continue these efforts, under very adverse conditions. “
Thirdly, he reiterated that when the situation on the ground allows it, Greece will contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, with the first step, as announced by the Prime Minister, the reconstruction of the Mariupol maternity hospital.
I hope that bilateral relations will be restored at some point, when Russia returns to international legitimacy
Asked about the relations between Greece and Russia and if they can return at some point, Nikos Dendias said that they are historical, dating back centuries of friendly and cultural ties with the Russian people, ties that can not be questioned by anyone and who do not can be affected by the projection of fake news. At the helm of respect for international law, he noted that as foreign minister, who has consciously worked to further strengthen relations with Russia, he sincerely regrets where they are today, as well as the level of Russia’s relations. with the European Union, which have reached the lowest point. But this situation is not the result of our country’s actions, he noted and hoped that bilateral relations will be restored at some point, when Russia returns to international legitimacy.
“Strategic Compass emphasizes that if Turkey returns to its provocative and delinquent behavior, there will be consequences”
Responding to the recent meeting of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Foreign Minister He said that the meeting and the relatively good atmosphere that prevailed, confirms that the war in Ukraine is creating a new geopolitical environment. He pointed out that the new situation with the increasing risks requires stability, respect for international law, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the avoidance of conflicts in the wider region. In this context, he stressed that it is vital to denounce any revisionism and added that Greece’s positions, which are based on respect for international law, are known and “we promote them in all contacts with our Turkish interlocutors.”
He said that at the moment there is no scheduled meeting with his Turkish counterpart Mevlüt Çavuşo .lu, but if deemed appropriate and if conditions allow, he would not rule it out in the future.
Regarding the EU Strategic Compass, which was adopted a few days ago at the Foreign Affairs Council, the Minister of Foreign Affairs considered it particularly important that all these countries reiterated their commitment to the basic principles of Greek foreign policy, such as, inter alia, the respect for international law, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states, the principles of international law of the sea. He also pointed out that the Member States have explicitly reiterated their commitment to the mutual assistance clause in the event of a European country being attacked by a third country outside the EU, but also that there are clear reports of other areas of immediate Greek interest. For example, the Western Balkans, as well as the Middle East and North Africa.
For Turkey in particular, the Foreign Minister said that despite the “friendship attack” and the “upgrading” of the neighbor, Turkey continues to be a major challenge for the European Union. As he stated, the Strategic Compass obviously emphasizes that if Turkey returns to its provocative and delinquent behavior, there will be consequences.
He also welcomed the announcement by the Turkish Foreign Ministry, which strongly condemned the adoption of the Strategic Compass, noting that comments were unnecessary.
“To be positioned in the international arena as a factor of stability, not to remain a country of the periphery with a limited field of vision”
Finally, he described as particularly important the contacts he had in New York and New Delhi, during which he discussed the situation in Ukraine, Greece’s candidacy for the Security Council in the period 2025-26, but also informed them about the developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. and in the Cyprus issue. He also announced Greece’s candidacy for the Human Rights Council in 2029-30, as well as the candidacy for the Presidency of the UN General Assembly in 2035. Highlighting the importance of India, he said that as a rising regional power, firmly committed to its principles International Law, namely the Law of the Sea, and a member of the Security Council is a natural strategic partner of Greece in this effort.
Crystallizing his message, the Foreign Minister stressed that times have changed and “if we want to meet the challenges of the 21st century, we must open the horizons of our foreign policy and place ourselves in the international arena as a factor of stability, not remain its country.” of a region with a limited field of vision and a Turkish-central policy “.
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