Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statements following his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže (Riga, 28.01.2025)

Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statements following his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Baiba Braže (Riga, 28.01.2025)

G. GERAPETRITIS: It is such a great privilege, honor and pleasure to be here in Riga on an official visit in this historic city. But above all, it is a visit to a friendly country and to a friendly Foreign Minister, one of the Foreign Ministers with international footprint. And I would like to mention explicitly how much I appreciate our coordination in international fora.


The truth is that there is a wide geographic disparity when it comes to the two countries. But in spite of this, I think there is a commonality, when it comes to challenges. We do share security challenges, hybrid threats, migration, climate crisis. There are a lot of things in common.


And this is why we have decided with my friend and colleague to actually develop a mutual understanding, to have a standing communication. We are like-minded in many respects, both when it comes to bilateral, but also when it comes to regional and international issues.


We need to jointly address the Russian aggression in Ukraine. We have to address the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East. Almost one fourth of the whole world is now under some sort of conflict and tension. We have to work together in order to bring back peace and prosperity.


Greece, in its capacity also as member of the Security Council of the United Nations for the years 2025-2026, echoes the voice of Latvia within the United Nations. And we wish all the best for your candidacy next year. So, thank you so much, my friend Baiba.


JOURNALIST: You discussed about security and energy issues. What is your message for Europe?


G. GERAPETRITIS: We are moving towards geopolitical Europe, towards the strategic autonomy of Europe. And I think there can be no autonomy in Europe without energy security. It's really vital that we develop diversification. And the truth is that in the last three years we have developed a lot of new tools. It is important that Europe acts united in order to address challenges concerning energy security. Because there can be no strategically autonomous Europe without energy security. And this is why we are trying to develop diversification, but also green energy throughout Europe.


JOURNALIST: Question on reforming the UN decision-making process and Greece's participation in the Security Council.


G. GERAPETRITIS: The truth is that the international security architecture has been built after World War II on the basis of veto. And that veto is lined with the strong powers, with the winners of the Second World War. I think it is about time that we revisit the decision-making process within the United Nations. Also, the composition of the Security Council. I think it has been proven in the last three years that major decisions, but basic fundamental decisions according to international law, cannot be achieved because of the veto powers. So, I think it is about time to start revisiting the international security architecture. And I think it is going to be a great opportunity for us in the next two years and in our Presidency, in May 2025, to start working towards a more effective, but also a more rules-based world through a new system within the Security Council and within the United Nations.

January 28, 2025

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