Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis delivered his address at the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly on Friday, repeating the country’s position on a variety of standing issues that have dominated Athens’ foreign policy for decades, including the Cyprus issue, relations with neighbors – making special reference to official Turkey’s belligerence – and energy, although he also spoke extensively on the Israel-Gaza conflict, the Russia-Ukraine war. He concluded his speech with references to AI and social media’s impact on juveniles.
“This year carries a special weight, as we celebrate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations. We are a nation that was present at the founding of the organization. My country emerged devastated from the war. The United Nations gave voice to the hopes of people who did not have freedom,” Mitsotakis said, in beginning his address.
“A new world order is dawning. Multilateralism is under pressure. We are witnessing a new reality in international relations: climate change, migration, artificial intelligence. The world is changing. Greece is a pillar of stability. We seek dialogue and peaceful coexistence with our neighbors. Of course, we are not naive; we are aware of the threats and risks of instability in our neighborhood. Greece already spends more than 3% of its GDP on defense,” he noted.
“In the EU, we are determined to play a more decisive role in our defense. Greece firmly believes that the time has come for common defense planning. Jean Monnet said that Europe was created through crisis. That is how decisions were made. And he was right. We must do the same.”
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), at the U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Caitlin Ochs
“We are witnessing many conflicts with thousands of deaths. If we fail to act, the prospects are even bleaker,” he added.
Referring to the Middle East, he said: “From day one, we have supported Israel’s right to defend itself. We have spoken about the release of hostages and a ceasefire. However, nothing justifies the death of thousands of children and the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinians.” At the same time, he emphasized that Greece remains firmly committed to the two-state solution.
Looking to another devastating conflict, he said the “..the war in Ukraine is now in its fourth year. It is a war for democracy and dignity. Greece supports Ukraine. We appreciate the efforts of Mr. Trump. We support an immediate ceasefire,” added Kyriakos Mitsotakis, while also referring to the humanitarian disaster in Sudan.
“The eastern Mediterranean faces many challenges, such as migration. In every relationship with every neighbor, Greece’s compass is respect for international law. Greece seeks peaceful coexistence with Turkey. Calm waters must allow us to find a solution for both sides. Turkey must lift the threat of war against Greece, which is a dark cloud over our relations. The casus belli must be removed,” he emphasized, sending a message to the neighboring country.
“Regarding Cyprus, Cyprus has been suffering for 51 years… With Libya, we are neighbors. They must determine their own future without any interference. In Syria, after 14 years of bloodshed, there is new hope for the people,” he continued.
