Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ statement to ERT and journalist Lena Argiri (New York, 19.09.2023)

The Greek delegation arrived at the 78th Assembly of the United Nations in order to conduct a series of significant meetings, as well as to represent Greek diplomacy and our national interests at the highest international level.

Prior to anything else, I would like to take this opportunity to express my profound sorrow and grief over the incident in Libya, where five Greeks lost their lives while on a humanitarian mission to save other lives. That makes it even more painful. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families.

During this week at the General Assembly, we will have the opportunity to meet with a number of delegations of member states that are crucial for Greek diplomacy and have an important international standing.

Among them, this morning I met with my Turkish counterpart, the Foreign Minister, to finalize the agenda and timetable for tomorrow's meeting between the two leaders here in New York.

I also just had the opportunity to conclude the Trilateral Meeting with the Foreign Ministers of Israel and Cyprus. This is a cooperation that Greek diplomacy considers very important. Not only because we are countries that share an understanding of international affairs and common interests, but also because we believe that in an ever-changing world it is very vital to establish regional alliances. These alliances have particular value in sectors, such as energy, environmental protection, civil protection, and other economic areas such as tourism.

I want to emphasize once again, that Greek foreign policy will be present, active and multilateral. It promotes Greek interests abroad. And in any case, it will always be present in international organisations and fora to defend Greek positions.