Mitsotakis: Greece wants to be a bridge, not part of the problem, amid global uncertainty

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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has said Greece intends to play the role of a bridge between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa as international tensions rise, while insisting Athens will not compromise on its positions or International Law.

In his weekly review of government activity on Sunday, Mitsotakis reflected on his recent trip to the United States, which included meetings at the United Nations General Assembly in New York and discussions with investors and technology leaders in San Francisco.

He described the two visits as very different experiences but said both reinforced the same message: the world is becoming increasingly uncertain and demanding.

“None of what is happening in the world is as far from us as it may seem,” Mitsotakis said, arguing that Greece must remain actively involved in international discussions through clear positions, alliances and strategic planning.

Greece prepares to lead UN Security Council

Mitsotakis highlighted Greece’s upcoming presidency of the UN Security Council in October as an important opportunity for Athens to strengthen its diplomatic role.

He said Greece would continue to support International Law, multilateralism and dialogue at a time when international rules and treaties are facing increasing challenges.

“As a member of the UN Security Council, the presidency of which Greece is assuming in October, but also as a country at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, we want to serve as a bridge, not as part of the problem,” he said.

Mitsotakis added that Greece supports dialogue with all sides but would maintain its established positions.

“This means dialogue with all, but without making concessions on our stances, which remain firm,” he said.

Mitsotakis addresses Turkey tensions

Relations with Turkey also featured prominently in the Prime Minister’s review.

Mitsotakis said communication channels with Ankara must remain open and that dialogue should be based on International Law and good neighbourly relations.

He referred to his address to the UN General Assembly, where he said Greece had made clear that International Law provides the institutional framework for resolving disputes between the two countries.

“The only institutional framework to resolve our difference is International Law,” Mitsotakis said.

At the same time, he argued that meaningful dialogue cannot take place alongside what Greece considers unilateral actions that breach international legality.

The comments come as Greece and Turkey continue to manage a range of longstanding disputes and competing positions in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.

Investment, AI and the Greek economy

Mitsotakis also highlighted his economic meetings in the United States, including discussions surrounding investment opportunities in Greece and the development of artificial intelligence.

He said the government was also continuing to address domestic economic pressures, including the cost of living.

The Prime Minister pointed to measures aimed at encouraging decentralisation and supporting families that choose to relocate to regional areas of Greece.

Other issues mentioned in his weekly review included strong tourism revenues, the National Cadastre, migration and efforts to secure the return of illegally acquired Greek antiquities held in the United States.

Mitsotakis’ comments come as Greece prepares for an active diplomatic period, with Athens set to assume the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council in October and place maritime security among the priorities of its term.

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