Greece Will Continue Dialogue With Turkey Despite Rising Tensions

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Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis says Greece remains committed to international law, the UN Charter and effective multilateralism as Athens prepares to assume the UN Security Council presidency in October.

In an interview with The National Herald, Gerapetritis said Greece would use its second Security Council presidency during its current term as a non-permanent member to promote consultation, the peaceful resolution of disputes and broader consensus.

The presidency will coincide with the process to select the UN’s next secretary-general and with the Security Council’s consideration of major regional crises.

“Greece has the advantage of maintaining open channels and relationships of trust with countries from different geographical and political groups,” Gerapetritis said, adding that Athens aims to act as a bridge between North and South and East and West.

Greece backs reform of UN Security Council

Gerapetritis said Greece supports the UN80 initiative to reform decision-making at the United Nations.

He argued that the Security Council’s current composition does not adequately reflect the 21st-century world and called for greater representation of Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.

Greece also supports India’s permanent representation on the Security Council, he said.

On the veto, Gerapetritis said it should be used with restraint and only in exceptional circumstances, particularly in cases involving the protection of people, crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Cyprus and international crises on the agenda

Gerapetritis said the Cyprus issue would feature prominently in his meetings in New York, with Greece seeking to maintain the current momentum under the UN secretary-general and create conditions for a meaningful resumption of talks within the agreed UN framework.

He also expects discussions on the major crises affecting international security, including Ukraine, the Middle East and developments in Greece’s wider region.

Greece will push for de-escalation, civilian protection and a return to diplomacy, he said.

Greece says dialogue with Turkey should continue

On Greek-Turkish relations, Gerapetritis reiterated Athens’ position that the delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone is the sole dispute with Turkey that could be brought before international jurisdiction.

He rejected Turkish claims concerning Greek sovereignty, including the so-called “gray zones” and the demilitarisation of Greek islands, describing them as unfounded and outside the scope of discussion for Greece.

“Greece seeks stability, peace and good-neighborly relations in the Eastern Mediterranean,” he said, while stressing that Athens would make no concessions on sovereignty or sovereign rights.

Gerapetritis also acknowledged what he described as a recent escalation from the Turkish side, including reactions to Greek initiatives aimed at defending the country’s rights and interests.

He linked Greece’s position to what he described as stronger alliances, strategic partnerships, defence capabilities, economic recovery and international standing.

At the same time, he said dialogue with Turkey should continue.

“Today, the conditions do not yet exist for a substantive discussion on delimitation to begin,” Gerapetritis said, adding that Greece would continue to pursue peace and good-neighborly relations based on international law.

Greece outlines new approach to the Diaspora

Gerapetritis also discussed the Greek Diaspora in Canada, where he travelled for the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canada, Apostolos.

He said a new chapter was beginning for Greek Canadians and that the Greek state would support the community through a specific plan.

The Foreign Ministry’s Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024–2027 includes initiatives focused on consular services, Greek-language education, culture, cooperation with Diaspora organisations and stronger links between younger generations and Greece.

Gerapetritis said Greece wants to build a “modern and reciprocal relationship” with younger members of the Diaspora based not only on ancestry and memory but also on opportunities for communication, participation and cooperation with Greece.

The government is creating networks for young members of the Diaspora, strengthening links with the Greek language and culture and developing hosting, education and exchange programmes, he said.

He also highlighted cooperation with the Church, Diaspora organisations, academic institutions, Greek schools and the business community.

Athens seeks greater political participation from Greeks abroad

Gerapetritis said the removal of restrictions on voting by Greeks abroad had addressed a longstanding institutional issue by eliminating practical obstacles to exercising the right to vote.

He also pointed to initiatives concerning postal voting in national elections and stronger parliamentary representation for Greeks abroad.

However, he said meaningful participation extends beyond election day and requires permanent channels through which the Greek state can hear the needs and views of the Diaspora.

“The Greek Diaspora possesses exceptionally important human capital” in science, entrepreneurship, culture, technology and public life, Gerapetritis said.

He added that Greece should develop institutions and networks that connect this expertise more closely with the country and, where members of the Diaspora wish, allow them to contribute to Greece’s economic, social and international presence.

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