To Dimitris Avramopoulos
Former Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship in the European Union.
Thoughtful planning, guided by historical experience, interpretation of contemporary trends and based on the principle of "honest diplomacy", is possible. Greek foreign policy is based over time on constants. However, it cannot remain unaffected by the new data, which are taking shape in the global and regional geopolitical environment within the dynamics of the new spheres of influence that are being formed.
In the wider area of vital importance for Greece, the Eastern Mediterranean remains a field of conflict with a noticeable intersection of interests of global powers and regional actors. A changing space, where "alliances", as it turned out, look like quicksand.
Indeed, the major issue of the delimitation of the Maritime Zones remains unresolved at the forefront. At the heart of the Cyprus Question, the final outcome and resolution of which will contribute decisively to the overall settlement of the delimitations, releasing positive energy throughout the region, as well as in the relations between its states, thus contributing to the creation of an environment of stability and security.
On the other hand, the wider Balkan region is affecting international correlations, as the awakening of nationalism is leading many states and the wider neighbourhood to "rebalance", with the Balkans on a path back to their charged past, while at the same time the competition between global and regional players is intensifying in the region.
At the same time, the region is gaining increased geostrategic interest as a link between the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe, which is also becoming increasingly unstable due to the now open confrontation between the West and Russia in Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. -In this new environment, Greece, free of its Balkan syndrome, is called upon to take initiatives in the name of international security, stability and peace, avoiding temporary and opportunistic partnerships that weaken its geopolitical potential.
A prerequisite for this is to free itself from the outdated stereotypes on which its foreign policy has been built and on which its institutional and political potential has been consolidated. Stereotypes, which prevent our country from claiming a new and powerful role and increased influence as a regional lever of Euro-Atlantic strategy.
Fears maintain a pervasive sense of threat and narrow the horizons of a truly multidimensional foreign policy. And it is not afraid when it has[BR] ensured that it has a strong defence system, a dynamic emerging economy and a respected, principled international role. Its commitment to international law and European values, while ensuring political stability at home, allows our country to move forward with confidence and initiative. In Central Asia, the Arab World and of course Africa, towards which Greece is called upon to act in a timely manner, not with a philanthropic attitude but with respect for these peoples, with a structured strategy that will cover the entire spectrum of relations, while at the same time opting for diplomatic openness and strengthening the presence of Greek entrepreneurship there.
It is certain that, in less than twenty years, Africa will be at the centre of global geostrategic, energy and economic interest, as is now becoming apparent with China's impressive penetration of the entire continent.
Indeed, Greece can become Europe's bridgehead to Africa. And that is what Europe needs. Because our country has the privilege, unlike other European countries, to be treated without historical prejudices.
In the field of Greek-Turkish relations, while a few years ago everything seemed to be on a path of dialogue and mutual desire for cooperation, a series of events and internal developments in Turkey have made the neighbouring country aggressive, with the awakening of the "deep state" and the re-emergence of Kemalist nationalism and militarism.
In the field of Greek-Turkish relations, while a few years ago everything seemed to be on a path of dialogue and mutual desire for cooperation, a series of events and internal developments in Turkey have made the neighbouring country aggressive, with the awakening of the "deep state" and the re-emergence of Kemalist nationalism and militarism.
Our country is in a position to cancel the Turkish foreign policy, which directly concerns Greece, by establishing, despite the difficulties, a stable channel of understanding at the leadership level, which, as history has proven many times in the past, has averted dangers and created a positive climate. Diplomacy is not about making statements. Diplomacy cannot look inwards and backwards. Diplomacy is targeted strategic actions based on the big picture of international facts and committed to objectives. It must be based on transparency, in order to mitigate the influence of the international background, based on the principles of international law. This can only be achieved through mutual political will, which can only be achieved through direct consultation between the leaders.
It is certain that Turkey understands that Greece is its only stable bridge of communication with Europe. However, it is also good to feel it. Turkey is still looking to the West. It has always looked there, either with hostile or friendly intentions. However, the prism through which it sees it, and it knows it, is Greece.
In other words, in the face of new challenges, Greece is called upon to put forward its geopolitical advantages, free of its restrictive Balkan fringe and past, committed to its European principles and its strong alliances with important European countries, as is the case with France, for example. With a new European role in the Eastern Mediterranean and a solid strategic relationship with the United States of America.
And all this, under the principle of "honest diplomacy" and, of course, with a foreign policy that interprets the new facts, that is visionary, that does not look inward, but is open to the world.
Because in the age of globalism, nothing is local or regional anymore.
Greece is emerging from two consecutive crises with its head held high and with claims. And despite its size, it is in a position to shape international and regional developments. In Europe, the prestige and respect for Prime Minister Mitsotakis has opened up new possibilities.
And one last point. Greece can rely on its own strengths. History has proven that whenever our self-confidence has been substituted by naivety, we have paid dearly.
Source: tomanifesto.gr
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
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