The Greek government will seek to send the message that Greece is a “beacon” of security and stability in a broader troubled “neighborhood” in the coming period, amid the rapid developments in the Middle East. As the closest country to the region that is simultaneously a member of the European Union and NATO, Greece will attempt to maintain a moderate and conciliatory stance and communicate with all actors involved in the dramatic events of recent days, with emphasis on ensuring regional stability.
Already from Saturday afternoon, Kyriakos Mitsotakis had telephone communications with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and with the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. During the communications, they discussed the latest developments in Iran and the broader Middle East region and the security situation. He then spoke with the President of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, while yesterday morning he had a telephone communication with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Mohammed Bin Salman. During the communication, according to the relevant briefing, they discussed the latest developments in Iran and the broader Middle East region. The prime minister emphasized the need to avoid further escalation and thanked the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia for cooperation with Greek diplomatic authorities for the protection of Greek citizens residing in Saudi Arabia.
The Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Maritime Affairs and Citizen Protection are on full alert
In Athens, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, National Defense, Maritime Affairs and Citizen Protection are on full alert. Yesterday, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias convened an emergency meeting of Chiefs of General Staff, where developments in the broader Middle East region were assessed. It was emphasized that all required protocols have been implemented and necessary security measures have been taken as provided. At the same time, Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis was conducting a teleconference with the heads of Greek Embassies and Consulates in Iran and the Middle East, which focused on issues concerning the security of Greek citizens, their accommodation and the management of repatriation requests, which are submitted through a relevant platform that has been activated for each Authority. Mr. Gerapetritis gave instructions for the immediate and safe return of citizens who wish to do so as soon as air traffic is restored.
The Greek government had timely made clear its position that it is unacceptable for Iran to possess nuclear weapons, while it had emphasized – also as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council – that the answer is not war but self-restraint and finding a peaceful and sustainable solution. The new circumstances created by the joint US-Israeli attack on Saturday morning and Iran’s response bring two priorities for the government: protecting Greek citizens in the region and maritime security.
“The Greek government is closely monitoring developments in Iran and the broader Middle East. Since this morning we have been in constant contact and coordination with allies and partners, so that we can develop a common line,” noted Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, immediately after the emergency session of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) on Saturday afternoon. “Priority and our basic concern is the protection of Greek citizens who are in these areas. Telephone lines are already operating in our diplomatic missions so that all citizens can contact them. I call on Greek citizens in the region to remain in safe places and follow the instructions of our respective Embassies. If required, the Greek State, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs already has a plan ready for any evacuation from the region.”
Mr. Gerapetritis also pointed out that the Ministry of Maritime Affairs is in contact with ships flying the Greek flag in the Gulf and ensures that there is continuous communication.
“We are closely and anxiously monitoring developments in Iran and the broader Middle East region, which directly affect international and regional stability,” Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated in his customary Sunday Facebook post, while noting that he continues contacts with regional leaders, aiming for coordination and exchange of assessments on the latest developments. As he emphasized, “the issue was discussed extensively in KYSEA, where we evaluated all data and analyzed possible implications at all levels: diplomatic, geopolitical and security level. Our absolute priority is the safety of Greek citizens in the region. From the first moment, all mechanisms of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were activated for their protection and support, while we are in constant coordination with allies and partners. At the same time, our steady goal remains ensuring free navigation and maintaining stability in the broader region. This presupposes effective control of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic program, to prevent the acquisition of nuclear weapons. Greece stands with composure, as a force of stability and responsibility in the region. Further escalation must be avoided. It is important to protect civilians and respect International Law.”
