I expressed concern about the crisis in Middle East the diplomatic background is intense to avoid ignition in the region with Greece assuming an expanded role.
In the exact context of the peace efforts that are taking place, the head of Greek diplomacy Giorgos Gerapetritis is visiting the Gulf countries, Qatar and Kuwait in order to jointly shape a framework for peace in the long-suffering region of the Middle East and to stop the humanitarian disaster that is taking place .
During his meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, George Gerapetritis pointed out that the crises on the one hand worsen the humanitarian character, on the other hand they constantly create conditions of danger for the expansion in fields and countries around the world stressing that “the EU and the Gulf countries must face the challenges in the Middle East together”.
The proposal of Athens to the EU – Gulf States
“Let us work with all our strength to revitalize the political process and implement the two-state solution in the Middle East”, stressed the Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis during the meeting of the European Union-Gulf Cooperation Council High Level Forum, which took place on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg.
The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the importance of the Forum for the development of the strategic relationship between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council. After all, the recent further escalation of the crisis in the Middle East with Iran’s attack on Israel is a reminder of “how vulnerable the international environment is”.
“All sides should show the greatest possible restraint and make use of the available tools and communication channels in order to avoid such an eventuality,” said Giorgos Gerapetrotis while also referring to the common risks that the EU and its countries have to face. Gulf Cooperation Council, such as security of navigation, refugee and migration flows and the need to protect pilgrims and underlined the importance of the EU defense operation “SHIELDS” in the Red Sea for the smooth conduct of global trade.
Giorgos Gerapetritis reiterated the Greek position on overcoming the crisis stressing “an immediate ceasefire should be achieved in the area which will lead to a permanent truce and the release of the hostages. The resolutions of the UN Security Council should be implemented without any delay and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the Palestinians should be ensured.”
Telephone communication between N. Dendias and the American Minister of Defense
The Greek Minister of National Defense during the telephone conversation Dendias with his American counterpart Lloyd Austin discussed the developments in the wider region with Nikos Dendias pointing out in his post that during the conversation the role of Greece as a factor of security and stability was highlighted.
He states in detail: “Today I had a telephone conversation with the Secretary of Defense of the United States of America, Secretary Lloyd Austin @SecDef. We discussed the developments in our wider region. Greece’s role as a factor of security and stability was highlighted.”
