On 20 May, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias participated in the sessions of the second day of the spring Meeting of NATO Minister of Foreign Affairs, which looked at NATO-EU relations and developments in Afghanistan, respectively.
Mr. Kotzias highlighted the discrete role of NATO and the EU and the need to develop this cooperation without excluding any member state of either organization. He also underscored respect for the institutional integrity and autonomy of decision-making of each organization. Finally, he noted that it is desirable for Alliance countries that are not members of the EU to have full access to and participate in European capabilities and actions, and acceptable provided that EU countries that are not members of the Alliance enjoy the same treatment.
The session on Afghanistan was also attended by partners contributing to Resolute Support Mission (RSM) as well as the Foreign Minister of Afghanistan. The Allies were briefed by the latter on his government’s efforts to achieve peace and national reconciliation and to promote political and economic reforms. Briefings were also provided on the security situation, by the new RSN Commander, and political developments in the country, by the NATO Senior Civilian Representative.
Our country supports the efforts of the international community (UN, EU, NATO) to restore peace and security in Afghanistan through an holistic approach that, beyond the security aspect, will include socioeconomic development policies, combating of corruption, strengthening of democratic institutions, and respect for human rights, including restoration of women’s equal role.
May 21, 2016