“Greece has maintained a principled stance. Greece is at the center of all international organizations, at the hard core of the European Union, NATO and the UN Security Council. It has diplomatic power and is in economic prosperity,” stated Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, in his remarks at the end of the “Manama Dialogue” forum in Bahrain, where he participated. At the forum, as the minister emphasized, “politicians, business leaders, and the intellectual elite gather to discuss issues related to the security of Gulf countries, as well as the security of the entire world.”
Giorgos Gerapetritis on Greece’s diplomatic power in international organizations
“I had the opportunity in my intervention to emphasize Greece’s strategic character as a bridge between East-West, North and South, the strategic relationship that Greece maintains with all Gulf countries and the broader Middle East, with the entire Arab world,” emphasized Mr. Gerapetritis speaking to ERT. “Greece has maintained a principled stance. Greece is at the center of all international organizations, at the hard core of the European Union, NATO and the UN Security Council. It has diplomatic power and is in economic prosperity. It is a country that can play an important role in bridging differences and leading us to a safer world. On the occasion of the ‘Dialogue,’ I met with a series of Foreign Ministers who also attended here in Bahrain, ministers who exercise significant influence on developments in the sensitive region of the broader Middle East, such as the Foreign Ministers of Jordan and Bahrain. I also had the opportunity to meet with other ministers, such as the UK Foreign Secretary, and exchange views. I presented issues concerning Greece in our bilateral relations, and also referred to the role that Greece can and should play for broader peace and prosperity in the region,” he emphasized.
Strengthening Greek-Iraqi relations
Finally, in the context of his visit, he emphasized: “I had the opportunity to visit Baghdad, Iraq, where I met with the President of the Republic of Iraq, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament. Bilateral relations between Greece and Iraq are in a development phase. Economic cooperation is at a good stage. There will be a Greek business mission that will visit Baghdad to explore investment opportunities. Greece, with strong diplomatic capital, is present throughout the broader region, contributes to the region’s prosperity, and is recognized by all countries as a force that has diplomatic power and the capital to play an important role in the region and the world.”
