We are meeting today at the Informal Meeting of the EU Foreign Ministers at a challenging and volatile period for international security.
Regarding Ukraine, we will be briefed by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Mr. Kuleba, on the latest developments. Our objective is to ensure Ukraine's full territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Unfortunately, the situation in the Middle East is worsening due to a further spillover of hostilities. We are particularly concerned about developments in the West Bank, Lebanon, and the Red Sea.
In the Red Sea, in particular, the tanker Sounion remains in the area following an attack. Various countries and Greece are participating in a significant diplomatic effort to prevent potential environmental disaster.
Yesterday, I spoke with the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia to ensure the safest possible management of this issue.
Also, the UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza will also brief us to develop a common stance on this critical situation.
In such a crucial period, it is imperative that we gather at the same table and discuss.
In this regard, I believe it is critical that, after five years, the Turkish Foreign Minister attend the Informal Meeting. We will have the opportunity to discuss EU-Türkiye relations. Greece is in principle supportive of Türkiye's European course.
Of course, it is self-evident that this course requires respect for International Law, the European legal acquis, and respect for the sovereignty and sovereign rights of all member states.
Particularly during this period, with the United Nations initiative underway to relaunch discussions on the Cyprus issue, maintaining a beneficial and constructive attitude is essential so that the Cyprus issue, a thorny issue for global peace, security, and international law, can finally be resolved within the framework of the UN Security Council resolutions.
August 29, 2024