Dutch Foreign Minister for Greek-Turkish: Calls for de-escalation of tension and mutual respect of borders

Call for de-escalation and mutual respect of bordersn, especially between countries of NATOaddressed today, from The Hague, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the NetherlandsBopke Hoekstraspeaking to a small group of Greek journalists who are in the Netherlands, ahead of the visit of the Dutch royal couple to Greece at the end of October.

In more detail, answering a question about the attitude of Turkey and the Turkish President, Tayyip Erdoğan, towards Greece, Mr. Hoekstra pointed out: “One thing I have appealed for (…) is the de-escalation and mutual respect of borders and especially with regard to NATO states, I think this is something we can and should expect from each other and this applies, of course, when it touches the continent, but also when it touches the islands, and I know that the sensitivities mainly concern specific islands. I think there is an obligation on all of us to make sure that we de-escalate and I hope that we make sure that the whole family of NATO members manages to stay on a course, which overall is the course that brings prosperity, stability and peace to the region.”

Asked to comment on publications, according to which, a caravan of thousands of refugees is approaching the Greek – and therefore European – border and the position of the Greek side that Turkey is instrumentalizing this mobility, but also being asked how Europe can defend its borders in the Aegean and Thrace, Mr. Hoekstra replied: “All in all, an agreement is an agreement. If you reach an agreement, you should stick to it yourself, and you should be able to expect others to stick to it as well. And especially these kinds of international agreements, which are difficult to conclude, it is extremely important that everyone respects them.”

He added that the two fundamental things that need to be done in the future are, first, to ensure that there is immigration control, which, he said, is currently insufficiently done, at least in the Netherlands. Secondly, he added, what “not only Greece, but also everyone, should expect from Europe, is that it manages to take care of the external borders”. Mr. Hoekstra also pointed out that he knows very well that immigration is putting pressure on Greece, like many other European states, but because our country is one of the border countries, it receives a lot of direct immigration, which puts pressure on the country’s capacities.

As for her energy crisis and Europe’s attitude towards Russia, Mr Hoekstra said he was more optimistic after the unity Europe has shown in the last eight to nine months. “My view is that we have seen an unprecedented level of unity in the fight against Russian aggression (…) I am convinced that one of Putin’s miscalculations has been the tremendous unity that Europe has shown in recent months. There is always room for different positions, but the dominant principle was unity” he said and expressed the belief that this unity will yield solutions, even in difficult fields such as energy.

Regarding the upcoming visit of the royal couple of the Netherlands to Greece, Mr. Hulkstra expressed his belief that this is a great investment in the friendship and partnership between the two countries, adding that his grandfather was a teacher of Greek and Latin and himself loves Greek history.

He added that between Greece and the Netherlands there is a clear understanding in relation to how much common ground exists and how much can still be done to strengthen bilateral relations. He added that on a personal level, a very good start has been made with him Nikos Dendias and personal relationships always help in international politics.

As far as they are concerned bilateral economic relations, he pointed out that the Netherlands is among the top 10 investors in Greece in a wide range of sectors, and that there are ample opportunities for synergies between Greek and Dutch businesses and room for expanding bilateral trade. He added that the fact that “companies of the 21st century”, such as Google, are investing in Greece says a lot about the attractiveness of the country as an investment destination.

Asked if he would agree in imposing sanctions on Turkish entities on their non-compliance with measures against Russia, he replied: “There is clear logic in staying united as an EU and ensuring that we have a discussion with a wider set of friends, partners and countries around the world, in terms of because it is so extremely important that Russia feel the full force of the sanctions.”_

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