Amid a tense international environment and under the weight of geopolitical developments, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ presence in New York concludes today, Friday (26/9), within the framework of the 80th High-Level Week of the UN General Assembly.
Clear message from Mitsotakis at 80th UN General Assembly
The Greek Prime Minister’s intervention in the General Assembly is awaited with particular interest, as according to sources, he will focus on the fluid balances being formed at global and regional levels, emphasizing Greece’s role as a factor of stability and active participation in international initiatives. Special reference is expected to be made to the challenges facing the international community – from Ukraine to the Middle East.
Diplomatic marathon
Before his speech at the General Assembly, Mr. Mitsotakis has scheduled high-level meetings, the most important being with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, as well as with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. These contacts are part of Greece’s active diplomatic presence, at a time when geopolitical stability is being tested on multiple fronts.
Interest from Bloomberg and Wall Street Journal
Equally anticipated is the Prime Minister’s interview on Bloomberg Television, where he will present the government’s reform work and the country’s economic prospects. However, he is likely to receive questions about the diplomatic background that led to the postponement of the meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, which had originally been scheduled.
The issue was also discussed in Mr. Mitsotakis’ conversation with Wall Street Journal editor-in-chief Emma Tucker. The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of maintaining open channels of communication with Ankara, emphasizing: “Having an open channel with Turkey doesn’t mean we agree on everything. I have met President Erdogan seven times since 2019. They weren’t always easy meetings, but it’s crucial that we maintain contact and discuss our differences openly“.
Clear position on explorations south of Crete
Asked about Chevron’s involvement in the area south of Crete, Mr. Mitsotakis clarified that Greece exercises its sovereign rights regardless of Turkey’s reaction: “We have nothing to discuss with Turkey regarding Chevron. Activity south of Crete is our sovereign right and is fully recognized by the company. If this causes discomfort to Turkey, c’est la vie, as the French say“.
Despite tensions, the Prime Minister emphasized that Athens will continue to seek constructive dialogue with Ankara: “We continue to communicate and seek areas of mutual interest where progress can be made“.
