The crisis impacting the Middle East as a whole has brought this region closer to Europe through a series of initiatives, salient among which is today’s meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the EU and the Arab League.
The subjects we have discussed so far – including the Palestinian issue and the Syrian crisis – are of vital importance.
We had the opportunity to point up the risks emanating from the extended crisis in Syria and the potential for problems spreading to the wider region. It is troubling that, despite the entreaties that have been made, the bloodshed continues, with thousands of civilians – including young children – among the victims. Families and the very social fabric are being broken down.
In Egypt, the reforms are being put through at a fast pace, and all indications are that this country, thanks to the prudent leadership of President Morsi, is on a good path.
The Palestinian issue is going through a difficult time right now. We stressed our longstanding and firm positions that we want to contribute to a solution based on two states, where Israelis and Palestinians can exercise their right to life, harmoniously, putting an end to the current situation. We also made it clear that we are against anything that strengthens or consolidates the presence of the settlements in the occupied territories.
Greece has again opened its doors to the Arab world. The meetings I had within the framework of the EU-Arab League meeting were many. Soon we will start a number of bilateral meetings and visits to important countries that are currently showing great interest in investing in Greece. But not just for that reason.
Through its initiatives, Greece is playing the stable and stabilizing role that is commensurate with our being a peace-loving country that always exercises a policy aimed at consolidating peace, cooperation, security, and compliance with international law and the principles of the UN.
We had the opportunity here, today, in our remarks, to point up the important role Greece is playing in our wider region. We are seen as one of the most loved and friendliest countries in the wider region, due to our well known good relations with the Arab world.
November 14, 2012