JOURNALIST: We welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis.
G. GERAPETRITIS. Thank you very much. It is a great pleasure and honor to be with you today.
JOURNALIST: Let us start with the tough questions, namely the Greece-Türkiye High-Level Cooperation Council. Is it postponed indefinitely or will it indeed take place?
G. GERAPETRITIS: First of all, there is nothing easy in foreign policy, so any question would be a difficult one. The High-Level Cooperation Council will take place at a time, which will be discussed. It depends on the schedules of the two leaders. And, of course, it depends on the circumstances.
JOURNALIST: Is that an evasion?
G. GERAPETRITIS: No. I’m being very clear. Despite what I read about Greek-Turkish relations being “frozen”, it has not been put on hold. All pillars continue normally, namely the Political Dialogue, the Positive Agenda, and the Confidence Building Measures. The High-Level Cooperation Council, which is the cornerstone of all pillars of the Greek-Turkish dialogue, will take place in the relatively near future.
JOURNALIST: When everyone is talking about tensions in April in Greek-Turkish relations, triggered by the research and survey activities related to the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection cable, they are also factoring in Israel and the Türkiye-Israel rivalry, etc. Are you expecting any tension, beyond the usual, due to these activities?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The reality is that we’ve been engaged in the Greek-Turkish dialogue for about two years now, and it has produced significant results. Above all, it has led to the resumption of discussions on the Cyprus Issue. It has resulted in a substantial reduction in migratory flows. It has essentially put a stop to Greek airspace violations, improved mutual understanding, and enhanced bilateral trade. The reality is that tensions always exist. Geography, unfortunately, throughout the centuries, has divided us, instead of uniting us. And, these tensions often lead to considerable discontent among the parties. I would like to point out that we always approach things with composure. You mentioned the issue of the Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection. This is a project partially funded by the European Union and it is of Common European Interest. Greece and Cyprus intend to continue the research and survey activities and the laying of the submarine cable as planned. Moreover, cable laying on the seabed is protected under international law and does not require any permit. My sense and expectation are that the project will proceed normally.
JOURNALIST: Have you discussed this issue with Mr. Fidan in your meetings?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We always discuss general issues related to energy security in our region and topics that might lead to tensions. This particular issue, as you know, has very specific characteristics. It is a project that is in accordance with international law. The entire Mediterranean is filled with submarine cables for electricity and data transmission, so it is not something that can be obstructed. Unfortunately, the fact that, at the moment, there has been no delimitation of maritime zones - continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zones - continues to generate this type of tensions. And it will keep doing so until we reach a mutual understanding, an agreement, or refer the matter on the basis of a special agreement. We strive to safeguard international law peacefully, and that is what we will continue to do.
JOURNALIST: And we also have Maritime Spatial Planning, which might also get a bit...
G. GERAPETRITIS: Maritime Spatial Planning is an obligation under the law of the European Union. The plans for Maritime Spatial Planning should have already been submitted. They will be submitted in the very near future, so that we can fulfill this obligation toward the European Union. I understand that many issues have accumulated over time, which could potentially lead to tensions, so it is important to maintain composure and mutual understanding. We intend to find common ground to move forward. You know, geography has brought us together, and for the past two years we have been trying to use geography as a bridge rather than a divide.
JOURNALIST: Are President Trump's statements regarding Erdogan, during his meeting with Netanyahu, a cause for concern?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are always alert about everything. I would like to tell you that there have been no certainties over the last three years, even in geopolitical analyses. Therefore, we are working on possible scenarios. Today, the reality is that there is a very high level of tension between Israel and Türkiye, which has considerably intensified in the past two years. The new U.S. Administration has indeed created new dynamics on these issues. I would like to highlight Greece’s position. Our policy is not determined by external parties. Let me, therefore, tell you that our relations with Israel are of strategic importance. This is reaffirmed constantly through high-level meetings. At the same time, we are perhaps the only country that also maintains strong historical ties with the Arab world. And I believe that my visit to the State Department and my meeting with Marco Rubio serves as a strong testament to our strategic relationship with the United States.
Greece has established a strategic relationship with all key players. We have managed to close all major issues and in an era of profound geopolitical volatility, having no major open issues is extremely important.
JOURNALIST: What is your opinion about the fact that Türkiye, in this period of geopolitical volatility, seems to be gaining power?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I will repeat that I will not define Greece’s position in relation to others. Greece’s footprint is obviously being strengthened. I do not believe there is any other country - at least in the West - that currently enjoys excellent relations with the entire world, which is the most important thing. Greece is at the core of the European Union, an elected member of the UN Security Council, enjoys wide international recognition, and maintains strategic partnerships with major players. Türkiye has its own approach to foreign policy on multiple fronts. I believe that what matters most for us is to build our own diplomacy on solid foundations and continuously strive to reinforce them.
JOURNALIST: In this environment, is there a possibility of increased pressure on Türkiye to resolve its issues with Greece, as well as the Cyprus Issue?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I repeat that there are currently important developments on the Cyprus Issue. A few weeks ago, we had the resumption of discussions at the five-party level.
JOURNALIST: Something that initially seemed extremely difficult.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Something that seemed almost impossible two years ago. It became possible thanks to the active diplomacy of the Republic of Cyprus and Greece. And also, allow me to say, primarily, because of the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations. And today, I have to say - and I am particularly pleased about this - the Cyprus Issue is actively progressing. Meetings are taking place between the two leaders. We are building a positive agenda in areas where mutually beneficial agreements can be reached, aiming for a meaningful development, which is none other than the reunification of the island within the context of the UN Security Council resolutions that define the framework. So, I would not talk about increasing pressure on Türkiye. I would rather refer to the international environment that demands synthesis, not division.
JOURNALIST: So, you left Geneva feeling more optimistic?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Cautiously optimistic and certainly much more optimistic than when I assumed office as Minister of Foreign Affairs, at a time when the Cyprus Issue was at a very difficult point. Let me remind you that for seven years there had been no meeting after Crans-Montana. It seemed that the Cyprus Issue was no longer a priority for the UN Secretary-General. Today, the Cyprus Issue appears to be the top non-war-related priority of the United Nations. Obviously, Greece's position as an elected member of the UN Security Council contributes to this. I have the sense that there is a common understanding that the Cyprus Issue should be addressed as a matter of major importance connecting Europe. Cyprus is a member state of the European Union. However, it also connects the entire world, which in the current volatile environment is in dire need of good news. Thus, Cyprus should experience a significant development for the island as a whole.
JOURNALIST: Since you mentioned that the Cyprus Issue is also a matter concerning the European Union, let us discuss about the “ReArm Europe” initiative. There is a discussion about whether Türkiye might gain access to EU defense projects and benefit from them. Moreover, the opposition accuses the government of allowing Türkiye to benefit excessively from the Athens Declaration by quietly building alliances. Moreover, Türkiye appears to be on good terms with Greece, which supposedly weakens Greece’s argument for excluding it. I would like your comment.
G. GERAPETRITIS: The programs currently developed by the European Union - “ReArm Europe” and “SAFE” - are designed to promote the EU’s geopolitical autonomy. These are necessary initiatives to ensure that Europe can stand independently without relying on external actors. In this context, an action plan is already being prepared. It is obvious that the interests of the EU member states will be taken into account. This is a decision of the European Commission. Regarding the Athens Declaration, I would like to say that this was actually a very significant step - after nearly 95 years of constant highs and lows in Greek-Turkish relations - toward a friendship and good neighborliness agreement, which, as we all understand, could not overnight resolve problems that date back decades.
However, it does create a foundation for the two countries to begin building upon the issues that unite them, without abandoning their core positions. I would also like to emphasize that the Athens Declaration is not a means of indirect access. On the contrary, I believe that it forms a foundation that can lead to something better, something more solid for future generations. Because, at the end of the day, what truly matters is that we live in a peaceful neighborhood where people can prosper.
JOURNALIST: So, let me take you to Washington now, to change the subject from Türkiye. Are you concerned about the trade war declared by President Trump, including against Europe?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Trade wars in general cannot be considered as a positive development. It obviously generates concern. And I believe that the tug-of-war we are currently experiencing - with measures and countermeasures related to tariffs and other economic instruments - is creating an extremely complex environment. I think that, based on the classic economic theory, we can expect negative side effects, such as inflation, recession, or even rising interest rates.
The reality is that we should seek meaningful and productive solutions to any existing trade issues. By definition, protectionism restricts free trade. For Greece, as an EU member state, it is important to seek solutions to international trade problems through a more deliberative approach, rather than resorting to this kind of confrontation, which will only be detrimental for all sides.
JOURNALIST: I would like to close with the Security Council. Greece will assume the Presidency in May. What will the priorities be?
G. GERAPETRITIS: It is a great honor for Greece to be an elected member of the Security Council. Of course, under the current circumstances, it is also a huge responsibility.
JOURNALIST: Although this is not the best or the easiest period.
G. GERAPETRITIS: It is the most difficult period since World War II, amidst wars and geopolitical upheavals, but above all in the midst of a very volatile international environment, shaped by multiple complex factors. There can be no predictability.
However, we are building on solid values. And for us, those are the enforcement of international law, in particular the Law of the Sea, the peaceful resolution of disputes, the protection of vulnerable groups, particularly women and children in conflict, and addressing climate change, which affects us all.
For us, the most important thing is to establish the conviction that the international community, that multilateralism can provide solutions. In recent years, the United Nations and other international organizations have suffered a serious blow, in terms of image and substance of their work, due to the perpetuation of crises that unfortunately remain unresolved.
We will do our part to help restore the power of international law. Greece always supports international law. It is our major ally and we will not deviate from it. That will be our priority during our Presidency in May.
JOURNALIST: Minister, thank you very much.
G. GERAPETRITIS: It was a great pleasure.
April 9, 2025