L. ZOCHIOU: Good morning.
I will begin with the 5th Trilateral Summit between Jordan, Cyprus, and Greece, which took place yesterday, May 6, in Amman. The Minister of Foreign Affairs accompanied the Prime Minister to Jordan.
The Summit reviewed the course of the trilateral cooperation and assessed the progress achieved since the previous Summit held in Nicosia in November 2024.
In the Joint Declaration, the King of Jordan, the President of the Republic of Cyprus, and the Prime Minister reaffirmed their commitment to further advancing the trilateral cooperation mechanism and building a long-term strategic partnership that contributes to stability and prosperity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
In addition, they agreed to strengthen their cooperation in sectors such as trade, energy, investment and culture, as well as in strategic priority areas like economic interconnectivity, including supply chain resilience.
The Joint Declaration also sets out the common positions of the three leaders on developments in the Middle East, specifically with regard to Iran, Lebanon, Gaza and Syria.
They also emphasized their support for a just, comprehensive and viable settlement of the Cyprus issue, in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.
They agreed to convene the 6th Trilateral Summit in Greece next year.
During the joint statements with his counterparts from Jordan and Cyprus, the Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to the critical geopolitical juncture in which this trilateral cooperation is taking place. The partnership rests on the three countries’ shared understanding of the challenges facing our region and our shared vision of a region free from war, aggression, rivalry, and disputes. They are guided by common values and principles, respect for International Law and adherence to the fundamental principles enshrined in the UN Charter.
On the sidelines of the Trilateral Summit, the Minister of Foreign Affairs held bilateral meetings with his counterparts, Ayman Safadi of Jordan and Constantinos Kombos of the Republic of Cyprus.
In light of yesterday’s developments, I would also like to refer to the political consultations at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers that took place in Amman on April 28. The Greek delegation was headed by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou.
With Jordan, we maintain close relations based on mutual esteem and respect. Our cooperation extends, inter alia, to political dialogue, culture, trade and tourism. Jordan plays a stabilizing role in a particularly turbulent region. It is located in close proximity to countries and regions with unresolved issues. For this reason, we attach particular importance to the preservation of its stability. We underline Jordan’s role and the considerable burden it has assumed in hosting Palestinian and Syrian refugees. Jordan highly appreciates Greece’s stance both within the European Union and the United Nations.
It is worth noting Jordan’s particularly important role in protecting the Christian populations living in the country. They constitute an integral part of the Hashemite Kingdom and enjoy the same rights as Jordanian citizens.
I will conclude my remarks on Jordan by noting that, both in the Joint Declaration and in his statements, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed Greece’s support for the role of the Hashemite Custodianship of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.
Contacts with the Gulf countries
I would now like to refer to the Prime Minister’s visit to the United Arab Emirates on May 5, as well as to the visit of the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to Athens on April 29, in light of the new challenges facing the region. The Minister of Foreign Affairs also participated in these meetings.
On the sidelines of the Emir of Qatar’s visit, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, held a meeting with her Qatari counterpart, Al Khulaifi.
The meetings took place in a very warm atmosphere.
From the outset of the war, Greece has expressed its solidarity with the Gulf states and has called for full respect for their sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Eastern Mediterranean, the Red Sea, the Middle East and the Gulf constitute a single geopolitical arc of vital importance for the security of the region and, naturally, of Greece.
We are following developments with cautious optimism.
Freedom of navigation constitutes a fundamental principle of International Law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. We reiterate that commercial vessels and civilian infrastructure must not become targets.
Regarding the Prime Minister’s visit to the United Arab Emirates
The two leaders reaffirmed the depth of the strategic partnership and cooperation between the two countries in a range of areas, with a focus on the economy and investment.
During the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation between Greece and the United Arab Emirates was signed in the field of Artificial Intelligence and Technology. On behalf of Greece, it was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and on behalf of the UAE by the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Al Jaber.
With regard to Qatar, discussions focused on reviewing and further strengthening bilateral relations. Views were also exchanged on enhancing cooperation in the fields of investment, agricultural development, energy, and shipping.
Regarding developments concerning France and Germany
On April 25, the historic renewal of the Strategic Partnership between Greece and France took place.
Greece and France are bound by a long-standing and close relationship based on shared values and the principles of freedom, democracy, human rights, and respect for International Law.
The Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic and the President of the French Republic signed an Agreement in Athens for the establishment of the Strengthened Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
In total, nine agreements were signed, covering, inter alia, innovation and defense industry, vocational training and lifelong learning, as well as cooperation between the two Ministries of Foreign Affairs. The Agreement establishing the Strategic Partnership between Greece and France in the field of defense and security was renewed for a period of five years, with the possibility of tacit renewal upon the expiry of that period. The Agreement was signed by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Ministries of National Defense of the two countries.
In light of the regional and international developments that have taken place since 2021, it has become evident that the forging of the Greek-French alliance was far-sighted.
Greece and France stood together throughout the crises of recent years and jointly aspire to address the major challenges that Europe and our wider region will face.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs undertook the preparation and organization of the visit of the French President, the coordination with the other Ministries, the negotiation and drafting of agreements with the French side, and oversees the monitoring and implementation of the agreed outcomes.
Regarding Germany
The visit of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany, Johann Wadephul, to Athens took place just two months after the visit of the Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs to Berlin.
On May 4, Greece and Germany agreed to upgrade bilateral cooperation. Ten years after the signing of the first Greek-German Action Plan in 2016, the partnership between Greece and Germany has been upgraded to a Partnership for Strategic Cooperation and expands to the following areas:
- Foreign Policy, Security, Migration & European Affairs
- Defense, Civil Protection & Hybrid Threats, Law Enforcement
- Economic cooperation, Investments, Digital Transformation & Infrastructure
- Science, Education, Skills & Culture, Civil Society, and Youth
The Foreign Ministries will be responsible for monitoring and effectively implementing this reenergized partnership through regular consultations, in liaison with the competent ministries.
During the meeting, in addition to the upgrading of bilateral relations, discussions focused on regional developments, the future of the European Union and NATO, migration, and Greece’s position as a frontline country.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs presented Greece’s positions regarding the balance in the Eastern Mediterranean and, as he consistently does, raised the outstanding issue of German war reparations.
Regarding the Minister of Foreign Affairs’ visit to Tripoli, Libya, on April 27
The Minister of Foreign Affairs traveled to Tripoli, Libya, where he held separate meetings with representatives of the political leadership, namely the President of the Presidential Council of Libya, Mohamed Al Menfi; the Prime Minister of the Government of National Unity, Abdul Hamid Dbeibah; and the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Al Taher Salem Al Baour.
During these meetings, the Minister of Foreign Affairs referred to the progress achieved in bilateral cooperation over the past nine months since his first visit to Tripoli. Over the course of these nine months, contacts with the Libyan side have intensified considerably, and he has met three times with Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Al Baour. With regard to the progress achieved, I would particularly mention:
- the direct flights between Greece and Libya
- the launch of technical talks on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone
- preparations for the business mission to Libya, which require prior mapping of the framework for Greek investments in Libya
- coordination within the framework of the European Union and the United Nations
The Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Libyan officials agreed on the need for cooperation and sincere dialogue, while remaining committed to building a relationship of trust.
Regarding developments in the political process in Libya, Greece, as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, remains firmly committed to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a sustainable solution under the auspices of the United Nations. The Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Greece’s long-standing position in favor of free, fair, and inclusive parliamentary and presidential elections as the only sustainable path towards the definitive resolution of the Libyan crisis.
I would also like to refer to the Global Sumud Flotilla
Greece, as a pillar of stability in the region and guided by International Law, made use of its diplomatic capital and undertook, for humanitarian reasons, to receive into its territory 176 nationals of EU Member States and third countries.
I would like to underline that, under exceptionally adverse circumstances, we responsibly carried out the humanitarian task of receiving the participants of the flotilla, with our sole concern being to prevent an escalation and ensuring the safety and protection of the participants.
The 176 foreign nationals who participated in the flotilla arrived in Greece and were free to return to their countries of origin.
Regarding the schedule of the Minister of Foreign Affairs:
The Minister of Foreign Affairs will host today, Thursday, May 7, at 2:30 p.m., an official luncheon in honor of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in the context of his visit to Athens.
Tomorrow, Friday, May 8, he will answer two current questions in Parliament, the first concerning the Global Sumud Flotilla, and the second concerning the two Greek citizens who remain in custody in Istanbul.
He will subsequently depart for Thessaloniki, where he will participate in a party conference and hold meetings with local stakeholders.
On Monday, May 11, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will travel to Brussels to participate in the EU Foreign Affairs Council. The Council will discuss EU relations with the Western Balkans. It will be preceded by a working breakfast with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the six Western Balkans partners. The main topics on the Council's agenda include the war in Ukraine and the developments in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, May 12, Mr. Gerapetritis will travel to Bratislava, where the Ministerial Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” will take place.
On Wednesday, May 13, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will welcome in Athens the Minister of Foreign and European Affairs of Croatia, Gordan Grlić Radman.
Regarding the schedule of Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou
On May 4, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, welcomed in Athens the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Montenegro, Periša Kastratović.
On May 5, she met with NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska, in view of the forthcoming NATO Summit.
On May 12, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs will welcome for consultations in Athens the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, Fariz Rzayev, and will also meet with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Ms Sharren Haskel.
On Wednesday, May 13, Ms Papadopoulou will welcome for consultations in Athens the Minister of State for European Affairs and Defense of Ireland, Thomas Byrne.
Regarding the schedule of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Theoharis Theoharis
Today, the Deputy Minister will represent the Minister of Foreign Affairs at the EU Med9 videoconference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on food security, with the participation of the League of Arab States, the European Commission, the United Nations, the Western Balkans partners, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.
On May 13, Mr. Theoharis will meet in Athens with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Sharren Haskel. On May 14, he will meet with the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of Kenya, Roseline K. Njogu. Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yiannis Loverdos will also meet with her.
Thank you. I am at your disposal.
H. MAKRI: Chrysa Makri from PARAPOLITIKA. I would like to ask you the following: the Ambassador of the United States, Mrs. Guilfoyle, again spoke of a visit by the President of the United States to Greece, as well as two ministers, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Rubio, and the Minister of War, Mr. Hegseth. Is this true or do you have any additional information about these visits to our country? And the second thing I would like to ask you is about the German war reparations. What has been discussed? If you have anything additional to tell us.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding your first question, both sides have clearly expressed a positive disposition towards a visit by the President of the United States to Greece. There has been no official information, nor any official arrangement for the visit.
H. MAKRI: And the same for the other officials?
L. ZOCHIOU: The same. You will recall that the intention was expressed, in any case, during the last meeting of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with his American counterpart in Washington. I have nothing to add on that.
Regarding the German war reparations, as I mentioned, it is a subject that the Minister of Foreign Affairs constantly raises during his meetings with his German counterpart. The question of German war reparations remains unresolved until our claims - which are politically valid and legally imprescriptible, active, and enforceable by any means - are finally settled.
Th. BALODIMAS: Balodimas from RIZOSPASTIS. What will the agenda be with the Israeli? What will you discuss?
[During the meeting of Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou with her Israeli counterpart, Ms. Sharren Haskel, on Tuesday, May 12, issues related to bilateral cooperation, as well as regional developments, will be discussed.]
M. TSILINIKOU: Maria Tsilinikou from SKAI and CNN. Is there any development in relation to the United States-Greece Strategic Dialogue? That is, for the next round, for the sixth round, has a date been decided? Is there any discussion about it?
L. ZOCHIOU: Indeed, this is a pending issue. As I have already mentioned, both countries have expressed their will to hold the Strategic Dialogue in Athens by the end of the year, but, for the time being, there is no official arrangement for this.
S. NIKOLAIDIS: Nikolaidis from skai.gr. Since you mentioned that talks were held between Mr. Gerapetritis and Mr. Kompos, was there any specific mention of the issue of the electrical interconnection, of the Greece-Cyprus cable?
L. ZOCHIOU: As far as I am aware, no relevant discussion took place.
S. RISTOVSKA: Sanja Ristovska, from the MIA agency in North Macedonia. Madam Spokesperson, do we have anything specific about the Minister's visit to the Western Balkans? And will it be a tour, will he go to all the countries one after another, or will he have separate visits? Thank you.
LANA ZOCHIOU: It is purely a matter of planning. It has already been announced that it will take place in the near future. Until the program is finalized, I would not like to say anything further. There will be relevant announcements.
N. STAVROULAKIS: Stavroulakis from the newspaper DIMOKRATIA. I wanted to ask at which point the Greek-Turkish relations currently stand, because we have been hearing about tensions and threats from Turkish officials recently. And with this in mind, I wanted to ask the following. The Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendias, in a recent statement to my colleague Pierros Tzanetakos, said that we have “very tough skin and bitter flesh’’. Therefore, am I allowed to ask whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shares this position or maintains the position of “calm waters and let them call us traitors”?
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding your first question, I will not comment on statements by the Minister of National Defense.
Regarding Greek-Turkish relations, the Supreme Cooperation Council was held in Ankara in February. It was preceded by the Political Dialogue and the Positive Agenda in Athens. Therefore, the schedule of contacts between the two countries is being adhered to at all levels.
I will reiterate that our intention with Türkiye is to maintain the established structured dialogue, open channels of communication, so as to prevent tensions from escalating into crises.
In our diplomatic relations and in our talks with Türkiye, we continue to work to maintain calm, good neighborly relations and regional stability. We are convinced that this can only be achieved through dialogue.
M. MOURELATOU: Mourelatou from TA NEA. I wanted to ask the following: The Minister often repeats, regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, that Greece will have an active role, in the post-war era, in some operation, from what we understand, to restore freedom of navigation. Can you tell us a few more things about that? What does an active role mean, in what way? And if we have an idea, regarding what our country also often repeats, that we want the ASPIDES operation to have greater participation from other European countries. Do we have an idea of how close to that we are - given that we have recent contacts, let's say, with France, Germany - to other countries joining ASPIDES. Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, you understand that, at least so far, it is at the stage of discussions. We support the initiatives of both the United Kingdom and France for the safe passage of the Strait. These initiatives have an operational and a diplomatic dimension. Greece will have a leading role in the issue of cooperation with the maritime community. We always talk about the period after the end of hostilities. There are developments, we are all following them. As I said in the introduction, there is cautious optimism. We will see how things will develop.
As far as the ASPIDES operation is concerned, it operates under a specific mandate, which is geographically limited. Of course, the Prime Minister and the Minister have expressed their views on the need to strengthen the operation, given that two countries are currently actively participating. Beyond that, obviously discussions are taking place, but I have nothing to announce.
S. SOURMELIDIS: Spyros Sourmelidis from AVGI and the radio station STO KOKKINO. I would like to ask you about the flotilla and what happened in the area between Crete and Karpathos in zones of Greek responsibility, whether the whole issue will be discussed at any diplomatic level with Israel in the future and whether you express any discomfort about the fact that a military operation was carried out on civilian vessels by military vessels.
L. ZOCHIOU: I will be clear on this: There was no prior agreement with Israel. The communication with Israel concerned exclusively the disembarkation of the 176 foreign citizens. Greece acted on the basis of the International Law of the Sea. There is no possibility of enforcement action against a warship, only the possibility of asking it to leave territorial waters, which was done. Secondly, under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), even in the case of a merchant ship, jurisdiction cannot be exercised over an incident that occurred before the ship entered territorial waters, with the exception of certain environmental and EEZ issues.
I would like to point out that the Israeli ship had not docked. The disembarkation of the passengers in Crete was carried out by the Coast Guard. I would like to reiterate once again that Greece, purely for humanitarian reasons and in full respect of International Law, offered to welcome 176 citizens to its territory and ensured their return to their homelands. As stated in our relevant announcements, we are in favor of full compliance with the procedures provided for by International Law. And of course, we call for universal respect for International Law, including the International Law of the Sea and International Humanitarian Law.
S. SOURMELIDIS: Since the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs spoke about an agreement with the Greek authorities, this agreement was obviously requested by Israel? Will you tell us from whom it was requested, from Greece or from Israel? And at what moment was this agreement requested and made?
L. ZOCHIOU: I believe I was clear, the agreement was made after the incident took place. The Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs thanked Greece for the fact that it offered to welcome 176 foreign citizens to its territory. I would like to underline that Greece, both bilaterally and within the framework of the European Union, consistently raises issues concerning the respect of International Law and Human Rights.
C. MAZANITIS: Mazanitis from ANT1. Regarding the Humanitarian Aid Foundation, which is the Turkish NGO that organized the Flotilla. Germany has banned the activity of its branches and has characterized parts of its activities as being linked to terrorism. There have also been numerous publications indicating that the organization in question, the Turkish NGO, has links to the Turkish secret services, and it has even been said, that is in writing, and there is a proof for that, that cargoes of weapons intended for jihadists who are active, or were active, in Syria have also been seized. So, given that this, the IHH, as this Turkish NGO is called, organized all of this, has any further investigation been initiated by the Greek authorities? Have the Turks who were on board this flotilla been identified and what was their role?
L. ZOCHIOU: First of all, I cannot confirm any such information. As for nationality, I can tell you that indeed Turkish citizens participated in the flotilla, among the 176 who arrived in Crete.
Beyond that, however, I have no comment on any of the things you mentioned.
M. MOURELATOU: Regarding the two prisoners in Istanbul, do we have any new information? Has any effort been made? Is there a specific reason for which they have not being released?
L. ZOCHIOU: They remain in custody. The Consulate General of Greece in Istanbul has been in contact with them from the very beginning and is providing the appropriate consular assistance.
P. TZANETAKOS: A few days ago, we heard President Christodoulides say that he would take the initiative on Article 42.7 even further, with the Cypriot delegation setting the proposals in writing. We had also heard the Prime Minister and Mr. Gerapetritis, if I am not mistaken, adopt the initiative and say that they will take specific steps during the Greek Presidency. So, I want to know whether any processes are underway at the Permanent Representation in Brussels, if we are in communication with the Republic of Cyprus. Is the aim of 42.7 essentially the Turkish threat or is it something else? And generally, do we intend for this issue and other issues of national interest, to dominate the agenda of the Greek Presidency? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Indeed, a discussion is underway within the European Union on the mutual assistance clause. The accelerator of this discussion was the events in Cyprus, as well as this entire volatile geopolitical environment, which essentially makes it necessary to strengthen this mutual assistance mechanism. The Greek Prime Minister has already taken a position on that. A roadmap for article 42.7 should be drawn up in the coming months. Our Presidency concerns the second half of 2027.
At the moment, discussions within the European Union are focused on defining the appropriate response in each case when a Member State invokes Article 42.7. This will take the form of an operational manual.
Regarding the political priorities of the Greek Presidency of the Council of the EU, during the second half of 2027 that you mentioned, they are under formulation and announcements will be made at the appropriate time based on usual practice and within the timetable, as applies to all presidencies.
In general for the preparation of the Greek Presidency, I would like to underline that a Greek Presidency Office has been established on 21.11.2025, with the responsibility of planning, coordinating and promoting actions for the effective preparation and organization of the Greek Presidency. Its role is to oversee, plan and coordinate all organizational aspects of the Greek Presidency, in collaboration with all Ministries and State bodies, including the Informal Summits and Informal Councils that will be held in our country during the second half of 2027. The Office reports directly to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, who appointed, on 10.12.2025, Ambassador Stylianos Hourmouziadis as its head. The Ambassador has experience in bilateral and multilateral diplomacy and a tenure in the Permanent Representation of the EU before and during the previous Greek Presidency, in 2014.
However, it is worth noting that for the first time, perhaps, our country has begun its preparations very early, already from the beginning of 2025, with the assistance of the Permanent Representation of Greece in the European Union, and, subsequently, with the establishment of the Inter-Ministerial Working Group (Task Force), following a relevant letter from the Minister of Foreign Affairs, in June 2025.
The Task Force facilitates the coordination, at a political and organizational level, of the preparation and conduct of our Presidency. The first convening of the Task Force took place on 17.10.2025, under the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
I would like to point out that there is no delay in the organization of the Greek Presidency and we will be ready earlier than any other Greek Presidency.
S. SOURMELIDIS: Since the Albanian leadership refers to the EEZ issue and the appeal to The Hague in two different ways, at least in terms of time, where do we stand on this issue?
L. ZOCHIOU: The discussion with the Albanian government regarding the referral of the issue of delimitation began years ago. It was interrupted after the negative decision of the Constitutional Court of Albania. So, as long as specific obstacles are overcome, it remains an option. However, for the time being, it does not appear that we are close to such an eventuality.
S. SOURMELIDIS: Since Albania and Montenegro appear to be further along than the other countries in terms of their European path, is this not an urgent issue, as well as the issue of the Greek minority?
L. ZOCHIOU: There are specific conditions for the accession of each Western Balkan partner to the European Union. For Albania, the conditions are respect for the indigenous Greek National Minority, and issues related to the Rule of Law and good neighborly relations.
C. MAKRI: Let me ask one last question about Libya and the talks between the technical committees. At what stage are we? Have the talks begun or will they simply take place at some point?
L. ZOCHIOU: I will leave it at what I have said about the Tripoli discussions, where the two sides discussed the timetable for the next meeting of the technical committees on the delimitation of the maritime zones, which will take place in the near future. This is the intention of both sides. This was agreed in Tripoli. When there is a specific date, it will be announced. The next round of talks will be held in Tripoli, led on the Greek side by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou.
K. ALATZAS: The fact that, despite the contacts we have had with Tripoli throughout this recent period, there is a lack of clarity, a difficulty rather in determining the exact timetable for the technical dialogue, what do you attribute this to? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: It was an issue that was discussed in Tripoli. We will stick to what was agreed there. It is no small matter, after all, the fact that within 9 months the technical talks on the delimitation of maritime zones have already begun, three meetings of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs have taken place and two successful visits by the Minister of Foreign Affairs have already taken place, both to Tripoli and to Benghazi.
D. KRIKELLAS: In the joint statements of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with his German counterpart, Mr. Gerapetritis made a reference against the backdrop of European defense and the programs and security of Europe in third countries. I wanted to ask if, in the private meeting he had with the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Türkiye was mentioned and to what extent this was discussed or if it was simply a recording of the consistent Greek position over the last twelve months, I would say. Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the meeting that the Minister of Foreign Affairs had with his German counterpart here in Athens, this issue was not raised during the discussion. What the Minister raised was the issue of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean, in general. However, the issues of third country participation in European Union defense programs are issues that the Minister of Foreign Affairs consistently raises with his German counterpart.
S. RISTOVSKA: A question about the Exit/Entry system. I know that the Ministry of Citizen Protection is responsible. But at the level of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs… Some of the third countries say that they have started some discussions, are those discussions held with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs? Or does the matter fall under the Ministry of Citizen Protection?
L. ZOCHIOU: The answer given by the Government Spokesperson covers your question. For this issue, the Ministry of Citizen Protection is responsible.
M. TSILINIKOU: I want to ask you in relation to the Strait of Hormuz. Because you repeated something that the Minister of Foreign Affairs had underlined a few days ago, that Greece will take an active role in cooperation with the maritime community. What does “in cooperation with the maritime community” mean? Have any contacts been made? There is discussion, because you mentioned the time frame, that it will happen after the end of hostilities, can you tell us if there have been any agreements and their framework?
L. ZOCHIOU: The role of Greece is recognized, given that the largest merchant fleet in the world is Greek-owned. That is where the weight of our country's participation in these initiatives lies. I will not go into further details. We will see in due course, and if there is something to announce, we will come back to it.
M. NIKOLAIDOU: I will come back to my colleague's question about Mr. Gerapetritis' contacts with the German Minister of Foreign Affairs. Was the issue of German reparations raised in the private talks?
L. ZOCHIOU: Yes, it was raised, as it is always raised during the meetings of the Minister of Foreign Affairs with his German counterpart. I refer you to the introduction and the relevant answer that we gave a short while ago.
May 7, 2026