Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis on Thursday expressed Athens’ support for the GCC partners and the need for diplomacy to prevail over war, speaking during his intervention at the meeting of European Union foreign ministers with their counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries.

Gerapetritis stressed Greece’s support for the EU’s partners of the Gulf Cooperation Council and his reaffirmed Athens’ solidarity with Cyprus.

Additionally, he cited cooperation with local authorities for the safe repatriation of European citizens.

Finally, Gerapetritis expressed support for diplomacy prevailing over war, respect for international law, human rights, and protection of civilians, as well as protection of maritime security.