Dear Minister, Dear Fouad,
[(Greeting in Arabic) Peace upon all. Welcome to Athens.]
First of all, I would like to thank my Iraqi colleague for his productive visit today, just a few months after my visit to Baghdad last October. That was the first visit, after 20 years, of a Greek Minister to Iraq. And this shows how much room there is for deepening and improving our relations.
Before I get to what we discussed with the Minister today and yesterday evening, I would like to unequivocally condemn the terrorist attacks on civilians in Baghdad on 21 January and express Greece’s full support for the government of Iraq and the people of Iraq.
Our countries have much in common. They are both cradles of ancient civilizations. The historical presence of Alexander the Great is a bonding force between Greece and Iraq.
What’s more, today the two countries are committed to the values represented by the United Nations. They are firmly committed to full respect for international law, which of course includes the Law of the Sea. They are committed to upholding peace. They are committed to upholding stability in the region.
Greece fully supports the unity and territorial integrity of Iraq. Greece condemns all the contrary to international law invasions of Iraqi territory under the euphemism of so-called peacemaking operations.
We believe, as a matter of principle, that disputes should be resolved peacefully, based on international law.
The threat of force, the use of force are not tolerated or supported by the Hellenic Republic.
Moreover, in the framework of good neighbourly relations, we maintain that countries have an obligation to avoid intimidation. Any intimidation. It is Greece’s aim to promote peace and prosperity.
It is in this context that we hosted yesterday’s Philia Forum, which was attended by seven countries. And I will reiterate today that the Philia Forum – and this is important – is not an alliance. It is not an alliance against anyone. It is an effort towards multilateral cooperation, open to all countries – in addition to those already participating – that respect international law and support the consolidation of stability in the region.
And it is sad that this effort, rather than being welcomed, is being distorted by some parties who are even making accusations and slandering the effort. We will not be dragged into this rhetoric. Our objective is de-escalation and, when conditions allow, the creation of a climate of cooperation with everyone. And we will continue to work in that direction.
Today, however, my colleague friend and I also had the opportunity to discuss the development of our bilateral relations. Unfortunately, for reasons beyond my control, when I was in Baghdad last October I did not have the opportunity to travel to Erbil – which I had originally been scheduled to do – where Greece has a Consulate.
We agreed that I shall return to Baghdad soon and take that opportunity to visit Erbil and Basra, because this will serve the development of our economic relations, which have very significant room for growth.
Apart from imports of crude oil – we are major customers of Iraqi oil – we must extend and expand our cooperation into many other sectors. Construction, renewable energy sources and agricultural products are sectors in which we can do a great deal more. Tourism is a sector in which we can do a lot more. This is why I will propose that I be accompanied by a commercial mission, along with Kostas Fragogiannis, on my next visit to Iraq.
Of course, the creation of a positive climate with regard to direct investments is vital to the development of economic ties.
My dear Minister, in closing I would like to thank you and Iraq for your assistance in supporting Greece’s positions in the various international organizations.
In a framework of reciprocity, Greece will continue to support Iraq, starting with Iraq-EU issues.
Again, thank you very much for being here in Athens today, especially under the present public health conditions. I look forward to our meeting again very soon in Baghdad.
Thank you very much.”
February 12, 2021