Good morning,
Today, we had a first working meeting with Jens Stoltenberg, NATO Secretary General, at the Alliance Headquarters, which took place in a constructive climate. We exchanged views on the situation in the Western Balkans and the worrying developments on the ground, and underlined the need for a rapid de-escalation of the tense situation in Kosovo and the need to strengthen the EULEX’s role.
We also discussed the Vilnius Summit. For my part, as Foreign Minister and in my academic capacity, I expressed Greece's firm position on the need to respect international law and international treaties. I also emphasised that it is extremely important, when making decisions on the supply of defence equipment to NATO member states, to ensure that NATO equipment is not used against NATO allies. In particular, I pointed out the need to maintain a balanced approach in NATO decision-making that takes into account the sensitivities of all allies.
We also discussed the situation in Ukraine, and I had the opportunity to underline the important and multifaceted Greek assistance to the struggle of the Ukrainian people, while we also exchanged views on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean. NATO should also focus more attention on developments in the Southern Neighbourhood, the Middle East, and the Eastern Mediterranean. In this context, I referred to the deepening of EU-NATO relations, underscoring that Cyprus' full participation in this cooperation is a necessary condition.
This is of particular importance, especially today, July 20, which marks the somber anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus.
July 20, 2023