Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statement to ERT TV channel during his attendance at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting (Muscat, 09.10.2023)

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statement to ERT TV channel during his attendance at the EU-Gulf Cooperation Council Ministerial Meeting (Muscat, 09.10.2023)We are in Oman today to attend the highly significant Gulf Cooperation Council Meeting with the EU, from which we expect to draw meaningful conclusions.

This Meeting is held under the particularly adverse conditions of the aftermath of the terrorist attack from Gaza against Israel.

Based on what we have witnessed, this attack constitutes not only a violent intervention against the sovereignty of a state, but is also a heinous act against the fundamental principles of humanity.

Greece stands by Israel, which has the right to defend itself against such inhumane acts. I would like to underline that during this Meeting and in collaboration with my counterparts from the Gulf countries and the EU, we will actively seek solutions to de-escalate the situation. Additionally, I would like to emphasize that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through our Embassy and the Consulate General, ensures the safe return of Greeks currently in Israel. Already yesterday, 90 individuals safely returned, and we expect the remaining to return immediately. Greece stands by its people to ensure their safe repatriation.

October 9, 2023