Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statement upon arrival at the Meeting of EU Foreign Ministers on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly (New York, 23.09.2024)

The UN General Assembly High-Level Week has commenced with Greece being in the spotlight of international attention, mainly due to our country's participation in the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term following its almost unanimous approval by the UN General Assembly.

Our initial contacts primarily focused on the European perspective of the Western Balkans. We had the opportunity to discuss this perspective with the Foreign Ministers of the Friends of the Western Balkans Group, in the presence of the Foreign Ministers of the Western Balkans.

Greece has always supported and been one of the pioneering countries that placed the Western Balkans’ integration into the European Union as a priority on the agenda. We continue to advocate for this perspective. And we are exploring ways to create momentum for EU enlargement, mainly as Europe is at a crossroads of enormous challenges. These challenges pertain to defense, growth, and the European Union's competitiveness globally. For this reason, Europe must remain strong, powerful, united, and enlarged.

I particularly had the opportunity to emphasize during the meeting of the Friends of the Western Balkans Group - and subsequently in my meeting with the Foreign Minister of North Macedonia - the necessity for this European perspective to remain active in a consistent manner. Of course, this must be done with absolute adherence to the European acquis and International Law, and especially to international agreements.

We all realize that the European perspective depends on respect for International Law, thus ensuring that Europe remains a pillar of stability on the international stage. International treaties must not be selectively implemented, otherwise the global security strategy will not remain active.

Greece will be at the forefront of the EU's enlargement efforts. As a strong pillar of stability in the Balkans and the Eastern Mediterranean, we will continue to do so. International Law will continue to serve as our compass, and we will consistently emphasize its significance.