Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stressed Greece’s commitment to defending its national interests “without the slightest compromise” during his speech at the Vima Conference on Friday. The event, co-hosted by a major Greek newspaper, a foreign-policy council and the Delphi Economic Forum, centered on security challenges, energy cooperation, diplomatic realignments and the economic shifts reshaping the region.
In a prerecorded message to the event, titled “Athens Policy Dialogues: The Eastern Mediterranean in Flux”, and specifically under the panel, “The East Med Forum Plan: Risk or opportunity for mutual gains?” he highlighted Greece’s role as a stabilizing force and a reliable partner in regional diplomacy.
Through the Five-Party Conference initiative, Greece aims to engage Cyprus, Egypt, Turkey, and Libya, with the potential inclusion of other countries in the future. Gerapetritis emphasized that “universal adherence to international law and full respect for the sovereignty of states are necessary prerequisites for participation.” He outlined potential areas of cooperation, including civil protection, migration management, marine environmental protection, and, in later stages, connectivity projects.
Acknowledging the complexity of the initiative, Gerapetritis said: “We do not turn a blind eye to the challenges, but we are aware of the possibilities for collaboration and the advantages offered by the geographical and geopolitical position of the Eastern Mediterranean. Our ultimate goal is the prosperity of the people and building a model of peace in a region long affected by conflict and disputes.”
He described Greece’s foreign policy as “careful, calm, free from fear, and with strong confidence,” adding that the country remains committed to principled diplomacy and sustainable solutions through dialogue.
On Greek-Turkish relations, Gerapetritis highlighted progress achieved through the Athens Declaration of December 2023 and the establishment of structured dialogue: “Without compromising our national interests, we have taken a new step in our relationship with Turkey. This has led to fewer airspace violations, reduced migration flows, enhanced trade, and increased tourism to Greek islands.” Regarding Libya, he noted that despite disagreements over the so-called Turkey-Libya memorandum, Greece is the only European country maintaining high-level open channels with both sides.
Gerapetritis concluded: “Greek foreign policy remains a policy of principles, guided by international law, dialogue, and diplomacy, seeking viable solutions for all disputes.”
