Greece has reaffirmed its commitment to freedom of navigation and diplomatic solutions in the Middle East, amid rising regional tensions. Speaking at the Foreign Affairs Council, Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis emphasized the country’s support for international law, civilian protection, and peaceful conflict resolution.
Addressing the strategic importance of maritime routes, Gerapetritis stressed that Greece advocates for the unrestricted passage of all ships in the region and called on Iran to respect international maritime law. He highlighted that the European-led operation “Aspides” is already active, involving two EU member states, to support these objectives.
Gerapetritis also underscored Greece’s solidarity with affected countries in the Gulf region and reaffirmed support for Cyprus, noting that Greece does not intend to engage in direct conflict.
Highlighting the economic and strategic stakes, the minister noted that free navigation is crucial not only for oil prices but also for global supply chains, reinforcing the Mediterranean’s role as a key economic and security zone.
Finally, he raised the issue of a recent attack on a Greek vessel in the Black Sea, calling for full condemnation and accountability, and urged European partners to assume a leadership role in addressing geopolitical, economic, and environmental risks in the region.
