Dear Minister,
Thank you for hosting me here today. Unfortunately, I have to start by expressing our most sincere condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the Turkish and the Syrian people, for the loss of lives caused by yesterday’s devastating earthquakes. And, also, allow me to thank you for expressing your solidarity on this.
Greece at times of difficulties is always ready to help its neighbours. And, I contacted yesterday from the plane my Turkish counterpart and I offered our immediate assistance and our heartfelt condolences.
Coming back to the visit, it is such a great honour and a very big pleasure to be visiting the great country of Brazil. A visit that was long overdue.
Today, I am starting a five-day tour to countries of Latin and Central America. And, of course, Brazil is my first stop.
For the Greek foreign policy, it is essential to expand our close contacts with friends from all around the world. We want to reconnect with our friends and partners in Latin America and this trip to Brazil signals this new effort.
By signing two Αgreements and an MoU a few minutes ago, we have inaugurated a new era in our bilateral relations, on the basis of the deep-rooted friendship between Greece and Brazil, based on our shared values. Also, we discussed ways towards enhancing our bilateral relations, mainly on issues of common interest, such as economic cooperation, cultural cooperation, but also cooperation in international organisations. We also agreed that we must resume our bilateral political consultations on a more regular basis. Enhancing our bilateral trade and economic relations with Brazil, the largest, by far, economy in this region, is one of the biggest economic priorities of the Mitsotakis Government.
Also, we can work in areas such as construction, infrastructure, science, technology, renewable energy, waste management, environmental technology, shipping, tourism, you name it, it is there.
Greece has recently been granted associate observer status in the “Community of Portuguese Language Countries” and this development can further strengthen our bilateral relations.
The vibrant Greek diaspora here in Brazil - I met a few of them this morning - with its involvement in the country’s economic and social development, can also act as a bridge of cooperation and understanding between Greece and Brazil.
On the political level, our countries maintain excellent relations. We share a common view of international relations, we put an emphasis on the primacy of International Law and the peaceful resolution of disputes. These shared principles and values allow for closer cooperation in the framework of international organisations.
Having said that, let me congratulate you on your country’s election at the United Nations Security Council. We are looking forward to cooperating closely with Brazil.
Also, we would like to thank Brazil for supporting Greece’s bid for the United Nations Security Council for the period 2025-2026. We also have an agreement of mutual support regarding our candidacies in the Human Rights Council. Greece, being a European Union member, attaches great importance to the EU - Brazil relations. We would like to work on expanding these relations. Also, today we had the opportunity to discuss issues of regional and international nature. Unfortunately, today’s rules-based world order is being continuously challenged by forces that are aspiring to take us back to previous dark centuries; where the strongest imposed their views and policies to the less powerful. When relations between countries were dictated by the use of force. We cannot allow this to happen. We have to unite against revisionism no matter where it comes from.
Greek foreign policy is deeply rooted in the respect for International Law and the principles of the United Nations Charter, including the International Law of the Sea, UNCLOS, to which Brazil is also a signatory. Respect for territorial integrity, national sovereignty and independence, as well as abstaining from the use or the threat of the use of force are fundamental principles of the Greek foreign policy.
Dear Minister, after visiting Brazil today, I am confident that the relations between our two countries can flourish. Let me warmly thank you for your hospitality and please allow me to say how happy I will be if you give me the opportunity to receive you in Athens at your earliest convenience.
Thank you so much.
February 6, 2023