Nikos Dendias: The Greek flag is waving again at our embassy in Kyiv

In a highly symbolic move, the Greek flag is waving again today in Kyiv, the Greek embassy reopened the doors in the Ukrainian capital, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias announced in joint statements after meeting with Kenyan Foreign Minister Rachel Omamo.

The head of the Greek embassy in Kyiv was appointed as authorized Manolis Androulakisthe last diplomat who left the martyred Mariupol, announced Nikos Dendias.

At the same time, he sent the message that Greece, through its embassy in Kyiv and the consulate in Odessa, is next to the Greek community, but also next to the Ukrainian people.

He made special reference to the symbolism of today’s Europe Day.

“It symbolizes the effort to unite the states that make up the EU, but this has one condition, and that is the elimination of war from our continent and the relations between the states and the establishment of relations based on the rules of international law. “And it is a pity because today in Europe, unfortunately, you visit us when there is war again and scenes of violence,” said Nikos Dendias, emphasizing that Greece is doing everything it can to contribute to tackling the crisis in Ukraine and the humanitarian crisis.

“We are committed to actively participating in the reconstruction of the country,” he added.

Greece-Kenya relations are at an exceptional level

The Foreign Minister also highlighted the symbolism of the visit of the head of the Kenyan diplomacy to strengthen Greece’s ties with the countries of the African continent.

“You are the first Foreign Minister, not only of Kenya, but of Sub-Saharan Africa, that we have been welcoming in Athens for a very long time. Your visit has an important symbolism, which is combined with the fact that in recent months I have visited seven African countries in a row. This symbolism is the strengthening of Greece’s relations and ties with the countries of the African continent, which had unfortunately been neglected for many years. “And this despite our ties with this region of the world, despite the presence of the Greek community and despite the absence of a colonial past,” said Nikos Dendias.

Identifying the purpose of the meeting, he said that it is the discussion of common challenges, such as terrorism, illegal immigration and new perspectives given the rapid economic and population growth of the African continent.

Then, Nikos Dendias focused on bilateral relations. He said that although they are at an excellent level, they are far behind the potential they have, especially in the economy, trade, investment. In this context, he stressed that the memorandum of cooperation between the diplomatic academies of the two countries, signed by the two ministers after their meeting, is a small first step and expressed the hope that other steps will follow quickly. “Four agreements are already under joint processing,” said Nikos Dendias.

Referring to the public recognition of Greece’s contribution to the fight against the pandemic in Kenya, by Rachel Omamo during her meeting with the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, the Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked her. “It is our duty to help wherever we can,” he said.

The Foreign Minister made special reference to the “constructive role” played by Kenya as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council and that Nairobi is the seat of the United Nations Environment Program, “the largest global invitation”. He also thanked his Kenyan counterpart for supporting Greece’s candidacy for the UN Security Council in the period 2025-2026 and assured her that Greece will actively contribute to tackling the effects of climate change.

At the same time, he expressed confidence that by attending the UN Security Council, countries such as Kenya and Greece would help to understand that International Law, including UNCLOS International Law of the Sea, of which Kenya is one of the the countries it has co-signed, is the basis for relations between the two countries.

Greece supports the conclusion of the negotiations for economic cooperation between Kenya and the EU

Returning to the symbolism of today’s Europe Day, the Foreign Minister made it clear that Greece fully supports the conclusion of the negotiations on an economic cooperation agreement between Kenya and the EU. “We believe that Kenya plays a very important role in deepening relations between the EU and and Africa “explained and maintained that Greece promotes this strategic relationship, noting that it was the main message of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the EU-African Union Summit in February.

At the working lunch that followed the meeting, Nikos Dendias briefed the Kenyan Foreign Minister on the security challenges facing Greece in the wider region, as well as on the developments in the Cyprus issue. “Historically, Kenya, due to its relationship with the Commonwealth, was very close to the Republic of Cyprus,” Nikos Dendias concluded in his statements.

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