L. ZOCHIOU: Good day to all. We will start with the most important developments of the last few days.
I will first refer to yesterday's adoption of the U.S. draft resolution on Gaza by the United Nations Security Council. Greece, as an elected member of the Security Council, played an active role in the negotiations and supported the resolution with an affirmative vote. This is an extremely important step and a historic opportunity to make the ceasefire sustainable and to consolidate stability in the region. At the moment, priority is placed on the channeling of massive humanitarian aid for the relief of Gaza’s civilian population, the reconstruction and rebuilding of Gaza and, of course, the reform of the Palestinian Authority, in order for its return to Gaza and the creation of conditions for the launch of the political process that will lead to the two-state solution. The impact of this resolution on the ground and, of course, its historic character will certainly be assessed over time.
Greece seeks to be actively present in the “day after” in Gaza, both in the field of humanitarian assistance and that of reconstruction and recovery. Now, of course, following the recent developments and yesterday's Security Council resolution, all parameters will be assessed, so that decisions can be made regarding the role that our country will have in the region.
Regarding Ukraine, I will refer to the visit of the Ukrainian President in Athens on November 16, at a particularly critical juncture for this country. Our position remains firm and unwavering. Greece stands in solidarity with Ukraine and supports both Ukraine and the Ukrainian people actively and in a multifaceted way. With the visit of the Ukrainian President, this multifaceted support has acquired a new aspect, the energy aspect. Greece will continue to support Ukraine with absolute respect for International Law, the United Nations Charter, the national sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, opposing the use of force and any form of revisionism. The Greek position is that the principle of the inviolability of borders is non-negotiable.
Regarding the United States and the 6th Intergovernmental Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation, I would like to underline that the stable and productive relationship with the United States of America at all levels is yielding results that are becoming evident. On the sidelines of the Intergovernmental Transatlantic Cooperation, the Minister met with the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Michael Rigas. The meeting was preceded by the signing of a bilateral agreement on access to employment for dependents of members of diplomatic missions of Greece and the United States, by the Deputy Minister, Ms. Papadopoulou and the United States Deputy Secretary. During the meeting, the excellent level of Greek-American relations was reaffirmed. Discussion focused on organizing the 6th Round of Greece – U.S. Strategic Dialogue, while the importance of Greece's geostrategic position on the world map and its role as a reliable ally and pillar of stability in a crucial region, such as the Eastern Mediterranean, was highlighted. The discussion also focused on Middle East issues. The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance that Greece attaches to the protection of the Christian populations in the region. They also discussed the active role of the Greek Diaspora in the United States.
On November 12, the Intergovernmental Summit between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus was held, which provided particularly positive messages on the added value of deepening cooperation between Greece and the Republic of Cyprus for stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, in view of the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the European Union by the Republic of Cyprus. In the context of the Intergovernmental Summit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs had a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Minister Kombos. Strengthening bilateral relations, the Cyprus issue – in view of the informal meeting in a broader format in the near future –, and, of course, issues concerning the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union were discussed. A Joint Declaration was signed between the Ministers of Foreign Affairs concerning the representation of the Republic of Cyprus in nineteen third countries for the Issuance of Schengen Visas. Essentially, this is a step further in Nicosia's efforts towards full integration into the Schengen area.
We remain on the subject of Cyprus. November 15, marked 42 years since the illegal, invalid and condemned by UN Security Council resolutions, unilateral declaration of the pseudo-state, in complete violation of the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and International Law. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in its statement, stressed that Greece will never accept the fait accompli of the Turkish invasion and occupation and called upon all states to uphold International Law, oppose any form of revisionism and, of course, respect the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of the Republic of Cyprus.
Tomorrow, the Minister will travel to Brussels, where he will participate in the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union. The Council's agenda includes the war in Ukraine, the crisis in the Middle East and developments regarding Gaza, as well as the situation in the Sahel region and Sudan. I recall that Ukraine, Gaza and the situation in Africa were among the issues that the Minister discussed with Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
I will refer to two issues that were raised during the previous briefing and to which I undertook to respond. The first concerns the Minister's communication with Mr. Boulos, President Trump's Senior Advisor on Africa. The Minister of Foreign Affairs was indeed in communication with Mr. Boulos regarding the adoption of a United Nations Security Council resolution on the renewal of the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum on Western Sahara. This was adopted on October 31. Greece played an important role during this negotiation, aiming to produce a balanced text and to accelerate discussions for a solution on the basis of a mutually acceptable agreement by all parties.
The second question concerned initiatives for the Western Balkans. The Minister was referring to the initiatives that Greece will undertake in a particularly difficult juncture for the enlargement of the European Union and the European perspective of the Western Balkans. This is a topic that will also be discussed during a meeting on the Western Balkans that will take place on the margins of the Foreign Affairs Council. As regards the accession of the Western Balkans, Greece remains at the forefront for their accession perspective, provided that the conditions of full respect of the European acquis and the rule of law are met, and in accordance with the principle of own merits.
Regarding the schedule, as it has been formulated so far: the second Greek Youth Diaspora Symposium will be held in Athens from 25 to 28 November. It is organized by the General Secretariat for Greeks Abroad and Public Diplomacy. The Minister of Foreign Affairs will deliver welcoming remarks to the event, in which young people from the Greek diaspora will participate, along with distinguished representatives of the academia, business and politics, who will moderate the discussions.
Regarding the schedule of Deputy Minister Harry Theocharis, he is participating today in the Delphi Economic Forum, which is taking place in Bucharest, and on November 24 he will attend the Foreign Affairs Council of the European Union on Trade issues. Topics on the agenda include, among others, European Union - U.S. relations and European Union-China relations.
I will close today's briefing introduction with an important development for diplomacy and Greek culture. On November 12, upon completion of the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference, the historic decision to proclaim February 9 as World Greek Language Day was unanimously endorsed. This means that this day will be celebrated internationally. It is an international recognition of the contribution of Greek language to the world cultural heritage. It is the culmination of hard work and coordinated action by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Permanent Representation of Greece to UNESCO.
Our goal now is, on the first World Greek Language Day, February 9, 2026, to hold events throughout the world, organized by our Embassies. And of course, initiatives will be taken to strengthen Greek language education throughout the world, with the aim of empowering Hellenism and strengthening the relations of the Greek Diaspora with Greece.
Thank you, over to you for your questions.
P. TZANETAKOS: Good morning. Tzanetakos from ERT and “To Vima” newpaper. I am a little confused on the issue of the “5x5 initiative”, to be honest, because initially we learned that the Minister may have some informal discussions with some of his counterparts, he may have spoken with Mr. Fidan in Luxembourg, when they met, and, respectively, with Mr. Kombos, the day before yesterday, and possibly with his Egyptian counterpart. On the other hand, there was a report in "TA NEA" newspaper, according to which he addressed them by letter or will address them by letter. The Minister himself talked about a memorandum that may be submitted by the end of the year for this conference to take place. As we all recognize, I think, that the issue is quite important, we would like a clearer answer about where we stand at the moment and what the next steps are.
ΤΗ. ARGYRAKIS: Since you said that Mr. Gerapetritis contacted Mr. Boulos about Western Sahara, about Polisario, as far as I understand. Was there a discussion on the issue of the proposal that Mr. Boulos had made on the quadripartite that he is proposing? Because we are proposing a five-party, the Americans are proposing a quadripartite. Did he not discuss this issue at all? That is one thing. Secondly, on the issue per se, when did the Greek side first know about the American proposal, which Mr. Boulos has allegedly made, regarding the quadripartite? It is being said, or rather it has been reported, that the Greek Embassy has had some contacts with some U.S. circles, at a time when no questions had been raised, a few months ago.
L. ZOCHIOU: U.S. circles?
ΤΗ. ARGYRAKIS: With U.S. circles that are handling the issue. It has also been reported that Ms. Papadopoulou contacted the American side, but the American side did not inform her about this issue. There is an absolute blur here. Bottom line, is there an understanding between the Greek side and the U.S. side about these two proposals, namely the quadripartite one proposed by the Americans and the five-party one proposed by us? And if you could inform us on developments, since when have all these initiatives by the Americans been known? Because in midsummer there was very intense mobility in the triangle Turkey-Italy-Libya, on the initiative of the Americans. Regarding that, where were we?
L. ZOCHIOU: The 5x5 is an entirely Greek initiative. The four countries have been chosen because they have common maritime borders with Greece in the Eastern Mediterranean. They also face common challenges in the same region. With this initiative, Greece hopes to create an environment of stability in an area that has historically been marked by rivalry and tension. It has set specific conditions for this five-party initiative to take place and operate effectively. The first condition is respect for International Law, including the Law of the Sea, and the second is respect for the sovereignty of states.
It is a complex undertaking. These five states have long-standing issues. Therefore, very careful planning is needed here. At the moment, with this initiative, Greece is sending the message that we are not content with monitoring events, but we are essentially shaping them, without any apprehension.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the Prime Minister has said, has undertaken to explore whether there are prospects for the meeting to take place. On this issue, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will informally brief his counterparts from each country. These informal briefings have not concluded yet. I am not aware of any letters, Mr. Tzanetakos. There are no letters. As for the American, as you say, proposal, we have not been informed of such a proposal.
K. MARGARITIS: Good morning, Konstantinos Margaritis. A two-part question: Mr. Trump has repeatedly stressed that he does not intend to provide further financial support to Ukraine. Given that the European Union’s budget up to 2027 will see a reduction of close to EUR 200 billion, how do we intend to position ourselves in the relevant European Council meetings, and what initiatives do we plan to undertake? Secondly, with regard to the Diaspora Symposium. Even the defunct World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) recorded and mobilized Greeks abroad. What is the purpose of holding a Symposium today? Do we have a policy for the Greek Diaspora?
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding Ukraine, I will refer back to what I said in my introduction concerning Greece’s multifaceted support to Ukraine, which now acquires an additional dimension: energy. I will leave it at that, as I have nothing further to add at this stage.
K. MARGARITIS: My question is whether we intend to exert pressure within the wider European family. As we can observe, there is a lack of cohesion in the European Union today, and uncertainty about what Europe intends to do. Yet, European citizens will bear the consequences. A reduction of EUR 200 billion is not an insignificant amount.
L. ZOCHIOU: I will limit myself to the issues related to the visit that took place two days ago. For anything further, I will revert when there is something new. On Greek Diaspora, I refer you to the Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad, drafted during the tenure of former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kotsiras. We are now speaking about a Diaspora Symposium focused on youth. This is the second time it will be held. Our aim is to strengthen and intensify interaction between the Greek Diaspora and the homeland.
CH. MAKRI: Chrisa Makri from “Parapolitika” newspaper. I would like to ask you about the Foreign Affairs Council meeting on the Western Balkans. There is some information suggesting the Minister may undertake a substantive initiative in this context. I would appreciate any details, if possible. And secondly, do you have any comment or information regarding a meeting of the Prime Minister with Mr. Erdoğan and with Mr. Trump? If you know anything that you can share with us.
M. TSILINIKOU: If I may add one final point - Maria Tsilinikou from “SKAI” TV. Earlier today, the Prime Minister stated that there will certainly be a meeting with the President of Türkiye. At what stage are the preparations for the Greece – Türkiye High-Level Cooperation Council? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: It is exactly as I said in my introduction, Ms. Makri. The initiative is something that will be discussed. It concerns the enlargement of the European Union and specifically the Western Balkans, at a particularly challenging geopolitical juncture. I will leave it at that, as the matter will be discussed in the coming days on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council. As for a meeting between the Prime Minister and the President of Türkiye, you will be informed of any developments by the Government Spokesperson.
M. TSILINIKOU: Regarding the High-Level Cooperation Council?
L. ZOCHIOU: You mean the preparations as such? What I can tell you at this time is that, following the Confidence-Building Measures, the diplomatic teams are working on the next round of the Political Dialogue and the Positive Agenda.
CH. KRATSI: At our previous meeting you mentioned that a visit by the U.S. Secretary of State to Athens was forthcoming. Do we have any update on this?
L. ZOCHIOU: There is no date for the visit. What we know so far is that it will take place for the purpose of holding the 6th round of the Greece – U.S. Strategic Dialogue. When I have more information, it will be announced.
CH. MAKRI: Apologies for intervening. Has any date been set? Because during the previous briefing you said there was no date yet.
L. ZOCHIOU: No date has been set yet. Actually, we had already mentioned in the previous briefing that it would likely be at the end of November or early December. I do not know more at this time.
TH. BALODIMAS: Balodimas from “Rizospastis” newspaper. In the last briefing you also mentioned that Mr. Gerapetritis has begun informal briefings with his counterparts and that these have not yet been completed. Could you clarify which counterparts he has informed so far and what the general reception has been?
L. ZOCHIOU: As regards these briefings, I will not refer to specific countries, and I will also address Mr. Tzanetakos’ earlier question on Türkiye. As you may recall, on the sidelines of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Luxembourg, the Turkish Foreign Minister was briefed on this matter. As I mentioned earlier, the process is still at an early stage. I will not go into further detail regarding the Minister’s subsequent briefings. Any developments will be announced in due course.
TH. BALODIMAS: You also said something else in your introduction, regarding Gaza. That among the priorities is the reform of the Palestinian Authority. Could you clarify that? What do you mean by Palestinian Authority? Are you referring to the one based in Gaza? To the one based in the West Bank? And does this not amount, in a way, to interference in the internal affairs of an entity?
L. ZOCHIOU: The matter of reforming the Palestinian Authority will be discussed by the EU Ministers of Foreign Affairs on the margins of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, during the meeting of the Donor Group. Participating in this group will also be Ministers of Foreign Affairs from Arab countries and like-minded partners - namely Japan, New Zealand, and Australia. The meeting will be co-chaired by the EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Ms. Šuica, and the Palestinian Prime Minister, Mr. Mustafa. The main topics will be the fiscal stability of the Palestinian Authority, the progress on its reform, as well as the plan for the “day after” in Gaza. As you know, this concerns the institutional reform of the Palestinian Authority, its financial strengthening and its fiscal stabilization. The reform of the Palestinian Authority is in fact one of the prerequisites for its return to Gaza.
K. TSAMOURI: Katerina Tsamouri from “STAR” TV. I would like to ask for your comment following the statements made by the German Defense Minister, Mr. Pistorius, who said that we have lived through the last peaceful summer and warned of a NATO – Russia war by 2026; and also the statements made today by the Chief of the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, who said that we are living in a pre-war period, that Russia is our adversary, and that we must prepare for war. What is Athens’ comment? How does it interpret these statements? Thank you.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: What is Greece’s position regarding the proposals for the confiscation of Russian assets in Europe?
L. ZOCHIOU: I would not wish to comment on the Defense Minister’s statements on this matter. In any case, as you know and as we have mentioned earlier, Greek foreign policy is working for the preservation and consolidation of stability and peace.
K. TSAMOURI: Are you concerned by these assessments?
L. ZOCHIOU: It is the assessment of a defense minister. I would prefer not to comment.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: And regarding Greece’s position on the confiscation of Russian assets held in Europe?
L. ZOCHIOU: Greece’s position is that a thorough examination of the political, legal, and economic parameters of this proposal is required. We believe that there is no sufficient legal framework.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: One more question. The U.S. Ambassador to Greece stated, more or less, that her objective is essentially to limit, to remove Chinese presence from the Port of Piraeus, which amounts to interference in our country’s internal affairs. How does the Greek side respond to Ms. Guilfoyle’s comments?
L. ZOCHIOU: The Prime Minister himself has addressed this on several occasions: 67% of the Port of Piraeus was transferred to the Chinese during Greece’s financial crisis, and they were the only bidder. There is no question of alignment with the United States as a strategic partner on matters that concern the protection of our shared interests.
A. TELOPOULOS: Telopoulos, “iefimerida” and “Ef.Syn” newspaper. So, agreements are meant to be upheld? In other words, Athens remains committed to the agreement it has signed? And secondly, we hear that the Americans are looking for alternative ways to invest in other ports in the region as a counterbalance. Does Greece encourage this?
L. ZOCHIOU: Greece respects the agreements concluded in the past, and I do not think I have anything further to add on that. Secondly, it is evident that we are open to investments. However, this does not fall within our Ministry’s area of responsibility.
M. MOURELATOU: Maria Mourelatou from “TA NEA” newspaper. Regarding Libya. Could you update us on where things stand? When is the business mission, planned for the immediate future, expected to go there? And when will the bilateral technical discussions on delimitation resume?
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the business mission and the technical discussions, I have no new information. Once these are finalized, the dates will be announced. This is something we are working on within the framework of the functional relationship we have established with both sides in Libya - East and West. The program will be announced once it is finalized.
Thank you very much.
November 19, 2025