Athens
, 28 January 2010
Mr. Tsirigotakis: Mr. Minister, how was the Greek presence at the Conference expressed, and how do you think things will develop?
Mr. Droutsas: First of all, the goal of this International Conference here in London is to shape an overall strategy for the international community on Afghanistan, beyond security matters.
Greece sees the provision of development aid to Afghanistan as being very important – to benefit and assist the Afghan people, civil society and especially vulnerable groups, such as women and children.
And I would like to stress that the situation and developments in Afghanistan are important for Greece’s security as well, particularly the matter of illegal migration. And that is why Greece’s participation in these efforts – with the means at our disposal – is so important.
Mr. Tsirigotakis: A short while ago you had a bilateral meeting with the UN Secretary General?
Mr. Droutsas: Within the framework of the Conference, UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon asked for us to meet. To exchange views, particularly ahead of his visit to Cyprus early next week, at what is certainly a very important stage of the talks being carried out between President Christofias and the Turkish Cypriot leader, Mr. Talat.
Mr. Tsirigotakis: Later on, you will have meetings with the Foreign Ministers of FYROM and Turkey. Is there a specific agenda for those meetings?
Mr. Droutsas: The FYROM Foreign Minister asked to meet with me here, on the margins of the Conference. As I have often stressed, we believe that bilateral contacts with the political leadership of FYROM can only help the process underway at the UN to find a name. And that is why I responded positively to that request.
This evening I will meet with Turkey Foreign Minister Davutoglou, following the letter the Greek Prime Minister sent to Mr. Erdogan and Greece’s initiative for us to try once again to develop close cooperation with Turkey. And that is precisely what we will discuss this evening with the Turkish Foreign Minister.
Mr. Tsirigotakis: Thank you very much.
Mr. Droutsas: And I thank you.