Greece has strongly condemned the latest Houthi attacks in strife-plagued Yemen and expressed its full solidarity with Saudi Arabia, describing the escalation as a serious threat to peace and stability in the region as well as to the safety of civilians.
The Greek foreign ministry said hostile actions against civilians and non-military infrastructure are unacceptable and must end immediately. It also stressed that attacks targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden cannot be tolerated.
Athens emphasized that freedom and security of navigation must be fully respected in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The ministry reiterated Greece’s commitment to regional and maritime security, while highlighting the country’s role in the European Union’s EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation, established to help protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea and surrounding waters.
The Greek position comes as the security situation around the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb has deteriorated, with Houthi forces threatening or attacking shipping linked to Saudi Arabia and asserting greater control over strategically important maritime routes.
The developments have renewed concerns for international commercial shipping through the Red Sea, a key link between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean. Disruption along the route can force vessels traveling between Asia and Europe to take longer routes around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing voyage times and costs.
For Greece, whose shipping sector has extensive exposure to international trade routes, the security of the Red Sea and freedom of navigation have particular strategic importance.
Athens has been a prominent participant in the EU’s maritime security effort in the region, with Greek naval forces contributing to the protection of merchant vessels and the maintenance of open sea lanes.
