Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
First of all, I would like to congratulate you on your election as representatives of the nation and wish you a successful legislative session. In the ever-changing international environment, Greek foreign policy is called upon to face a variety of challenges on a daily basis. The return of war in Europe has demonstrated in the most painful way that the world does not only move forwards. It can move backwards as well.
In an equally painful way, humanity has come to realize that it is not only armed conflicts that threaten our world’s security, but also crises that strike at the very core of our existence: health, energy, and economic crises, as well as those induced by hybrid threats, cyber-attacks, terrorism, and climate change.
And I fear that crisis is becoming a normality in societies and states. It requires very strong political will, closer cooperation with our European partners and solid leaderships at the level of global governance in order to deal with them promptly and effectively.
Foreign policy's role in addressing multiple crises is crucial. It should be characterized by strong management capacity, outward-looking orientation and insight. It should make our country a co-shaper and not a mere observer of developments. The undeniably successful tenure of the political leadership, under Minister Nikos Dendias, during our government's first term, has resulted in the strengthening of Greece’s security, prosperity, and international position.
I assure you that this policy, which has been Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ strategic choice since his first day in office in July 2019, and which aims to promote our national interests, defend democratic values, reduce inequalities, and develop international cooperation, will be served with full consistency and commitment by the current governance. A governance characterized by a multimodal foreign policy. On the one hand, it will incorporate all modern forms of diplomacy, such as public diplomacy, which concerns our country's image around the world. On the other hand, it will use every means that can highlight our national positions, such as our country’s soft power forms, especially our Diaspora around the world.
This philosophy stands on three pillars corresponding to the responsibilities of the three Deputy Ministers of Foreign Affairs: active international relations, a multifaceted international presence and outward-looking diplomacy. In terms of our active international relations, Greece will continue to foster a culture of alliances, to play an active role in shaping European policy, to focus on multilateralism, respect for International Law and the peaceful settlement of disputes. But it is now called upon to manage a paradigm shift in international relations. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has violently disrupted a long period of peace in our continent.
From the very beginning of the war, our country has stood by Ukraine and international law. The European Union and NATO have been strengthened as a consequence of the crisis, demonstrating solid solidarity and unity. In this context, we have welcomed Finland's accession to NATO and we support Sweden's immediate accession as well.
We will continue to support Ukraine, hoping for a swift end to the armed conflict and the full restoration of its territorial integrity. Our main concern remains the support of our Diaspora in Ukrainian cities such as Mariupol and Odessa, cities that are symbols for Hellenism all over the world.
But even in our nearest neighbourhood the challenges are many. In the Western Balkans, the dangers are multiple, while nationalisms affect the security of the region and undermine these countries’ European perspective.
Greece remains committed to Western Balkans' growth, security and prosperity and, 20 years after the Thessaloniki Summit, will continue to take initiatives to accelerate their European course.
Particularly regarding Albania, we will do whatever is necessary to end the ongoing temporary detention of Himare’s elected Mayor Fredi Beleri. Albania must comply with the rule of law if it really wants to become a member of the European family.
We will also continue to invest in regional cooperation in the Eastern Mediterranean. Our trilateral cooperation with Cyprus and Israel focusing on the energy sector, is the central pillar of our regional policy.
The participation of the United States of America in the 3+1 scheme can form the basis for a new security architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean, linked to other regional cooperation schemes such as the Negev Forum.
At the same time, we will develop our strategic relations with countries in the wider region, such as Israel, Egypt, Jordan and the Gulf countries, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both bilaterally and through regional cooperation schemes.
Our relations with the United States of America are at an all-time high, not only in terms of defence cooperation, but also in terms of trade and investment. The updated Defence Cooperation Agreement has upgraded our country’s strategic importance, and our cooperation in the fields of energy, economy, tourism and education has intensified significantly in recent years. The United States of America regards our country not only as a reliable partner in a bilateral context, but also as an integral part of the regional security architecture in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean. The Prime Minister's address to the joint session of the two Houses of Congress last May, a first in history, was precisely the tangible recognition of our country’s increased prestige, but also of its enhanced role as a factor of stability and prosperity in the region and around the world.
Respect for International Law and a practical willingness to cooperate and engage in dialogue continue to serve as a compass for our relations with Türkiye. It is important to build on the relative détente of the previous period and I intend to work towards an approach that is beneficial to our country. We look forward to good neighbourly relations with Türkiye and aim to resume talks, as well as to develop a positive agenda through Confidence Building Measures and strengthen economic cooperation. The Prime Minister is due to meet with the Turkish President on the margins of the NATO Summit in Vilnius next week.
I will also try to build a relationship of mutual respect with my Turkish counterpart. Our country is seeking to resolve the sole dispute between our two countries, namely the delimitation of the EEZ and the continental shelf on the basis of the International Law of the Sea, exactly on the model of the agreements we have already reached with Italy, Egypt and hopefully soon with Albania. Continually deferring these issues to the future does not work to the benefit of either country. We will approach this dialogue with the confidence that our enhanced diplomatic position in the international environment affords us.
Greece will continue to support the Republic of Cyprus with the aim of finding a solution to the Cyprus issue in accordance with the UN Resolutions. My first official visit outside Greece was to Cyprus precisely in order to convey the message that finding a just, viable and mutually acceptable solution to the Cyprus issue remains a top national priority of our country's foreign policy. An important goal is for Cyprus and the Cypriot people, both Greek and Turkish Cypriots, to be free from the Turkish occupying troops and the anachronistic system of guarantees and the invasive rights of third parties in Cypriot affairs. We will not accept any fait accompli on the ground. The solution must be functional and provide the reunited Republic of Cyprus with the future it deserves.
Concerning our country’s multifaceted international presence, our primary concern is to strengthen our ties with the Diaspora, promote Greek positions through the use of modern communication strategies and digital tools, gather and disseminate information that concerns us and promote priority lines of action with a significant international footprint, such as the Greek language, our cultural capital and the extroverted Greek universities.
As regards our outward-looking diplomacy, we will work hard to promote, at bilateral and multilateral level, the economic and commercial interests of Greek enterprises abroad and the presence of Greek products in international markets.
Regarding our development diplomacy, we will seek to constantly cultivate the conditions for attracting strategic direct investments, strengthen our energy diplomacy and support international cooperation on environmental issues through the implementation of flagship programs incorporating innovative technologies.
Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
I am fully aware of the magnitude of the responsibility we are assuming as well as how our aspirations and objectives can frequently be jeopardized by unforeseeable factors. But I am truly happy because the Ministry of Foreign Affairs can under any circumstances respond to the challenges by relying on its most valuable asset, its human resources.
In my first few days at the reins of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I have met with the Ministry's staff and witnessed first-hand both the exceptional level of training and expertise as well as the touchingly high sense of responsibility and duty of service to our homeland. I am confident that relying on the Service and the Diplomatic Corps will be the driving force to achieve our goals.
But this is a two-way support. We should also strive to assist the work on a daily basis through the modernization of the Ministry's administrative procedures and structures, the digital enhancement of the systems used, continuous training, the improvement of working conditions and the provision of work incentives.
Ladies and Gentlemen MPs,
I would like to assure the Assembly that I will constantly be available to update it on any foreign policy issue and that I will be at the disposal of representatives from all parties whenever asked and at every opportunity. We intend to pursue our foreign policy with a sense of responsibility, a coherent strategy, and seriousness, so that future generations will inherit a strong and shielded homeland. A homeland that will be respected and honored abroad and that every citizen will feel proud of.
Thank you very much."
July 9, 2023