It is with great honour and pleasure that I welcome the Foreign Minister of the Philippines, Mr. Enrique Manalo, on his first visit to Greece. This marks the first visit of a Philippine Foreign Minister to our country, an occasion that gives me particular satisfaction. Hosting the Minister of Foreign Affairs today, 74 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Philippines, holds immense significance.
Our two countries are bound together by ties of friendship and shared values. We both advocate for an international order based on principles and rules, respect for International Law, particularly the unwavering respect for the Law of the Sea, the peaceful resolution of disputes, and the prosperity of our peoples.
Additionally, we are united by our maritime tradition. The sea and shipping are integral to the identity of the Greeks, due to our geographical location and physiography, as well as our extensive coastline of more than 20,000 kilometers with hundreds of islands and islets, as is the case with the friendly country of the Philippines.
Furthermore, the Greek-owned fleet is a leading force in the world, contributing to the smooth conduct of global trade. There is significant potential for improving our relations in the maritime sector. As of today, 50 Greek shipping companies are active in Manila, while approximately 53,000 Filipino seafarers offer their expertise on Greek-owned ships, due to their enhanced familiarity with the sea.
The importance we place on the maritime sector is demonstrated by our intensive cooperation in training as well as by our mutual support in relevant international fora, as was the case with the International Maritime Organization during the 2024-2025 term.
The safety of seafarers is a major priority for Greece in all oceans, particularly today as incidents of unlawful violence at sea are increasing. A significant number of Filipino seafarers are currently illegally detained, a fact that constitutes a flagrant violation of International Law.
We stand by your side, honorable Minister.
On this occasion, I would like to publicly thank the Philippines for its support for Greece’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, during which Greece will prioritize the discussion on maritime security.
During our tenure on the United Nations Security Council, Greece aspires to serve as a bridge between North and South, East and West, and bring to the forefront issues of mutual interest with the Philippines that are of global significance, such as the peaceful resolution of disputes, and climate change mitigation. Regarding the climate crisis, the Philippines is among the countries most affected by this phenomenon and vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. In this regard, we warmly welcome Manila's willingness to host the headquarters of the Loss and Damage Fund for Developing Countries to address the adverse effects of the climate crisis.
As regards global peace and security, our country will seek to play a productive role on the United Nations Security Council so as to address the catastrophic consequences of the two major wars in our broader region, in Ukraine and Gaza. Specifically, regarding the unfolding tragedy in Gaza, Greece has taken a clear stance based on principles: Immediate implementation of a ceasefire. Opening of humanitarian corridors so that humanitarian aid can reach the affected area unhindered. Immediate and unconditional release of hostages. Development of a plan for the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of displaced persons to their homes.
Honorable Minister, cooperation between our countries has considerable scope for improvement. To this end, it is particularly significant that we have decided to activate the process of political consultations between our countries’ Foreign Ministries in order to officially establish and enhance the ongoing dialogue between us on the political as well as the technical level.
Greece supports the strengthening of relations between the European Union and the Philippines and eagerly anticipates the successful conclusion of negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement between the two parties. Greece also looks forward to the deepening of European Union-ASEAN relations, an issue which we had the opportunity to discuss with the Minister, in Brussels last February. The Philippines is playing a critical coordinating role in this dialogue. Greece has the potential to serve as ASEAN's economic and commercial gateway to the European Union.
Honorable Minister, dear friend Enrique, the geography of the Philippines endows your country with major geostrategic significance. Its greatest asset, however, is its human capital: people who are hardworking, dedicated, with a kindness that goes beyond the ordinary.
As stated in the lyrics of the Philippine national anthem: 'Land dear and holy, Cradle of noble heroes'.
It is with these thoughts that I warmly welcome you, Minister, to Athens and Greece.
June 20, 2024