The agenda of today’s EU Foreign Affairs Council is critical with two armed conflicts in full swing, with the Russian invasion of Ukraine reaching its 1000th day tomorrow, and with the war in the Middle East raging and creating new war zones.
From the outset, Greece has fully supported Ukraine in the war that Russia has waged, in blatant violation of international law. We have also very clearly stressed that hostilities in the Middle East must immediately cease, full humanitarian aid be provided, hostages be unconditionally released and a vision be granted to the Palestinian people for the establishment of an independent state, in accordance with the UN Security Council resolutions.
We will have the opportunity to discuss the new realities in Euro-Atlantic relations following the elections in the United States, as well as the need for a much stronger European policy, enhancing the strategic autonomy of the European Union.
At the same time, I will have the opportunity to hold several meetings. We already met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova. We need to strengthen the vision of all states, which are on the path towards the European Union. I will also have the opportunity to meet with the French Minister of Foreign Affairs to discuss the next steps following the Paris Conference on Lebanon. I will also meet with the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, an extremely volatile region. African countries should be supported, particularly the Sub-Saharan African countries that find themselves in an extremely complex situation.
In 45 days, Greece will be a member of the United Nations Security Council. Greece will be participating in shaping international security policy, based on the principles of international law, in full respect of the United Nations Charter. Greece will have an important role to play, and we will do so based on the fundamental principle of peaceful resolution of all disputes.
November 18, 2024