Good day,
It is with great pleasure and honor that I welcome today, at the Foreign Ministry, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana.
Today our attention is firmly focused on the developments in the broader Middle East, which are particularly alarming.
The Greek government unequivocally condemns Iran's mass attacks against Israel, which constitute a serious deterioration of the already critical situation in the region.
To this end, due restraint should be demonstrated. The region and the entire world cannot withstand further spread of hostilities.
Honorable Minister,
I warmly thank you for your participation in the 9th International "Our Ocean Conference", which begins today in Athens.
Ghana is a friend of Greece, a significant and reliable partner of the European Union.
An established democracy in an extremely fragile region.
Minister,
We particularly appreciate your active presence in international organisations, with three terms on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member, at an extremely difficult period for the world, and as a member of the current composition of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Return of Cultural Property to the Countries of Origin. A position and an issue of particular sensitivity for Greece.
On this occasion, I would like to extend Greece's appreciation for Ghana's commitment to support Greece’s candidacy as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, and the Human Rights Council for the 2028-2030 term.
Minister,
The spread of terrorism and general destabilization in the Sahel and Sub-Saharan regions are of great concern.
Indeed, we share the concern that any extension of instability may have repercussions on migration flows and the safety of maritime transport, as well as on the resurgence of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
It is considered appropriate for the EU to be in coordination with regional organisations, such as the African Union and ECOWAS.
We look forward to convening the next EU-African Union Ministerial Conference.
Greece is always among the countries that encourage the cooperation of the European Union with African countries and particularly the Republic of Ghana.
Regarding our bilateral relations, one of the six priorities of our candidacy for the UN Security Council is the management of the climate crisis, an area in which we can cooperate further, a common challenge for humanity and both our countries.
Our collaboration holds considerable potential for expansion in the areas of culture, economy, energy, and trade.
Especially concerning trade, in mid-May, a Greek business delegation will travel to Accra, where all sectors of our economy will be represented.
Before I conclude, Minister, I would like to mention something that unites our cultures and countries. That is St. Nicholas Greek School, located in the major trading port of Tema. I send my warmest wishes to its 160 students who are learning the Greek language with enthusiasm that particularly moves us.
Minister, I welcome you and wish you a beneficial and productive stay in Athens.
April 15, 2024