At the same time, he stressed that the country goes along with its allies and partners in the international organizations in which it participates and co-decides, such as the European Union and NATO,
Within the framework of these principles, he explained, when the European Union took a concerted decision to impose sanctions on Russia for the latter's invasion of Ukraine, "we went along with our partners, because all countries that accept international law cannot but have a common and strong stance".
At the same time, he stressed that all countries that wish to have a European perspective must align themselves with these positions.
On the issue of sending defence weapons to Ukraine, he said that since it was decided to strengthen it, Greece, as an EU member state, could not fail to contribute to this effort. "Fully respecting our principles and values, we are helping a country fighting for its existence and independence against an invasion that violates international law, causing untold suffering and destruction. The issue is fundamental and not open to misinterpretation," he stressed and made it clear that as a member of the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis he fully supports its decisions.
Greece stands by the side of the Greek community in Ukraine
The Greek state stands by the side of the Greek community in Ukraine, the Foreign Minister said, stressing that the provision of humanitarian aid and the protection of civilians is the first priority. "For this reason, we have submitted official requests to Ukraine to facilitate the delivery of aid to the suffering population of Mariupol, a city that was also founded by Greeks 250 years ago, as well as to Russia in order not to obstruct the channelling of this aid," he said, recalling his intention to go to Mariupol in order to ensure the unhindered transfer of aid.
He clearly underlined that the need to protect the diaspora is a key issue that he raises with his interlocutors, such as UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and High Representative Josep Borel. He is also in close coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and its President Peter Maurer.
Secondly, he referred to the creation of a reception team in Romania, consisting of Foreign Ministry officials "who, with dedication to duty and a sense of self-sacrifice, have already helped in the evacuation of Greek citizens, as well as members of the diaspora from Ukraine. And they are continuing these efforts, under particularly adverse conditions."
Thirdly, he reiterated that when the situation on the ground allows, Greece will contribute to the reconstruction of Ukraine, starting, as the Prime Minister announced, with the reconstruction of the Mariupol maternity hospital.
I hope that bilateral relations will be restored at some point, when Russia returns to international legitimacy
In response to a question about relations between Greece and Russia and whether they can be restored at some point, Nikos Dendias said that they are historical, they go back to centuries-old friendly and cultural ties with the Russian people, ties which cannot be questioned by anyone and which cannot be influenced by the projection of false news. Spearheading the spearhead of respect for international law, he pointed out that as Foreign Minister, who has indeed consciously worked to further strengthen relations with Russia, he sincerely regretted the current state of relations with Russia, as well as the level of Russia's relations with the European Union, which have reached their lowest point. But this situation is not the result of our country's actions, he noted, and hopes that bilateral relations will be restored at some point when Russia returns to international legitimacy.
"The Strategic Compass underlines that if Turkey returns to its provocative and offensive behavior, there will be consequences."
Responding to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' recent meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the Foreign Minister said that the meeting and the relatively good climate that prevailed confirms that the war in Ukraine is creating a new geopolitical environment. He noted that the new situation with increasing dangers calls for stability, respect for international law, peaceful resolution of disputes and avoidance of conflicts in the region. In this context, he stressed that it is vital to renounce any revisionism and added that Greece's positions, which are based on respect for international law, are well known and "we promote them in all our contacts with our Turkish interlocutors".
He said that there is currently no meeting scheduled with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, but if it is deemed appropriate and if conditions allow, he would not rule it out in the future.
With regard to the EU Strategic Compass, which was adopted a few days ago at the Foreign Affairs Council, the Foreign Minister considered it particularly important that all these countries reiterated their commitment to the basic principles of Greek foreign policy, including respect for international law, the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states and the principles of the International Law of the Sea. He also pointed out that member states have explicitly reiterated their commitment to the mutual assistance clause in the event that a European country is attacked by a third country outside the EU, and that there are clear references to other areas of direct Greek interest. Such as, for example, the Western Balkans, as well as the Middle East and North Africa.
More specifically on Turkey, the Foreign Minister reiterated that despite the "friendly attack" and the "upgrading" of the neighbour, Turkey continues to pose a significant challenge to the European Union. As he said, the Strategic Compass self-evidently underlines that if Turkey reverts to its provocative and offensive behaviour, there will be consequences.
Equally, he held back with interest the relevant statement of the Turkish Foreign Ministry, which strongly condemned the adoption of the Strategic Compass, noting that comments are superfluous.
"We should position ourselves on the international stage as a factor of stability, not remain a peripheral country with a limited field of vision"
Finally, he described as particularly important the contacts he had in New York and New Delhi, during which he discussed the situation in Ukraine, Greece's candidacy for the Security Council in 2025-26, but also briefed them on developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus problem. He also announced Greece's candidacy for the Human Rights Council in 2029-30, as well as its candidacy for the Presidency of the UN General Assembly in 2035. Highlighting the importance of India, he said that as an emerging regional power, firmly committed to the principles of International Law, especially the Law of the Sea, and a member of the Security Council, India is a natural strategic partner of Greece in this endeavour.
Crystallizing his message, the Foreign Minister stressed that times have changed and "if we want to face the challenges of the 21st century, we must open the horizons of our foreign policy and position ourselves on the international stage as an agent of stability, not remain a peripheral country with a limited field of vision and a Turkey-centric policy."
Source: APE-MPA
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