L. ZOCHIOU: Good morning.
We will begin with the High-Level Cooperation Council.
Tomorrow, February 11, the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council between Greece and Türkiye will be held in Ankara.
The Prime Minister will be accompanied by:
* Mr. George Gerapetritis, Minister of Foreign Affairs
* Mr. Kyriakos Pierrakakis, Minister of Economy & Finance
* Mr. Takis Theodorikakos, Minister of Development
* Ms. Sofia Zacharaki, Minister of Education, Religious Affairs & Sports
* Mr. Thanos Plevris, Minister of Migration & Asylum
* Mr. Michalis Chrysochoidis, Minister of Citizen Protection
* Mr. Yiannis Kefalogiannis, Minister of Climate Crisis & Civil Protection
* Ms. Lina Mendoni, Minister of Culture
* Mr. Christos Dimas, Minister of Infrastructure and Transport
* Mr. Harris Theoharis, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for economic diplomacy
The issues expected to be discussed are bilateral relations and issues of regional and international interest.
As far as bilateral issues are concerned, issues related to migration, cooperation in the field of civil protection, cooperation in the field of economy and trade, the fight against organized crime, and cooperation in cultural matters will be discussed.
Regarding regional and international developments, discussions will focus on issues in the Middle East, Iran, and developments in Ukraine.
The aim of the High-Level Cooperation Council is to evaluate the progress in bilateral cooperation, two years after the Athens Declaration. To keep the channels of communication, open so as to decompress potential crises, to express a joint conviction in discussing bilateral issues, and to take stock of the Greek-Turkish structured dialogue and the functional relationship between Greece and Turkey.
With regard to the Minister of Foreign Affairs' visit to New York from 27 to 30 January.
The Minister made an intervention on the Middle East at the United Nations Security Council and participated in a round table discussion on maritime security.
We believe that it is particularly important for Greece -as a member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term- to attend meetings of the Security Council at a higher level, and, in particular, on issues that directly concern Greek foreign policy, such as the Middle East, due to its geographical proximity, but also due to the relations it maintains with the countries of the region.
I will highlight two issues from the Minister’s speech and his intervention at the Security Council.
Regarding Gaza, we begin by acknowledging that Greece supports any initiative that can bring the region closer to lasting peace and stability.
We, therefore, supported the comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza and voted in favor of Security Council Resolution 2803.
We recognize, of course, the progress made toward a sustainable ceasefire and the implementation of the 20-point peace plan for Gaza, which was approved by the Security Council.
The latest development with the body of the last hostage being returned to his family concludes a painful chapter for the families. Furthermore, the path is opened for the transition to phase 2 of the peace plan.
The Minister pointed out to the Security Council and his interlocutors that Greece's goal is clear: to contribute to peace in Gaza, to help prepare the ground for the “day after” in Gaza, in close cooperation with the Palestinian National Committee and, of course, the Palestinian Authority.
As for the Peace Council, as you know, Greece was invited by the American President on January 16 to participate as a founding member. As a member of the Security Council and - as you will have seen in the statements by the Minister of Foreign Affairs - Greece acts within the framework of Security Council Resolution 2803, in favor of which it voted.
The Resolution determines that the Peace Council is a temporary body established to bring peace exclusively to Gaza. Therefore, this distance between the Charter of the Peace Council and Resolution 2803 raised concerns, and for this reason, Greece did not co-sign or accede to the statute of the Peace Council.
I note that one of the issues the Minister discussed with Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, during their telephone conversation was Greece's participation in the Board of Peace.
At the end of last week, Greece received an invitation from the US to participate in the inaugural meeting of the Peace Council, scheduled for February 19 in Washington. Our stance is being assessed in cooperation with partners and allies. We will respond promptly.
With regard to Syria, Greece, as the Minister pointed out, stands by Syria and offers its support both bilaterally and in its capacity as a member state of the European Union and the United Nations Security Council.
The progress achieved is noted. We welcomed the conclusion of the latest Agreement between the Syrian Transitional Government and the Syrian Democratic Forces. And we stressed the importance of full implementation of the Agreement and of the ceasefire, and of safeguarding the rights of all Syrians without exception, including the Kurdish population.
During the meeting that the Minister had in New York with the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Guterres, Syria was one of the issues discussed, and he reiterated our position, that we welcome the assurances of the Syrian Transitional Government regarding its commitment to International Law and good neighborly relations, but the rights of Syrians, of all ethnic and religious backgrounds, must be fully protected.
Regarding the meeting that the Minister of Foreign Affairs had with the Secretary-General of the United Nations. As you know, the issues discussed were the Cyprus Issue, Libya, Syria, Greece's position regarding the United Nations, the multilateral system, and multilateralism, and our position on the future of the United Nations in general.
As regards the Cyprus issue, the Minister of Foreign Affairs reiterated Greece's support for the efforts made by the Secretary General -and his Personal Envoy - on the Cyprus issue and, of course, expressed his satisfaction that diplomatic mobility on the Cyprus issue is continuing and for the fact that the matter is high on the Secretary General's agenda. In 2025, two informal meetings in an expanded format were held on the Cyprus issue. And of course, all of these constitute some important steps towards creating these conditions for the resumption of talks. At the same time, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs was in New York, the mandate of the United Nations peacekeeping force for the Cyprus issue (UNFICYP) was renewed.
Greece, as an elected member of the Security Council, has undertaken, in full coordination with the Republic of Cyprus, strenuous efforts during consultations to secure the renewal of the mandate for the next 12 months. This time, the decision was not unanimous. Thus, two states abstained: Pakistan and Somalia. However, we do have a positive development. We have a positive resolution, about which the Greek positions were heard.
With regard to the UN, our term in the Security Council, and the international security architecture, as communicated during the Minister's meeting with the Secretary-General.
Greece, as one of the founding members of the United Nations, remains fully committed to its universal ideals and ardently supports the Organization as the guardian of the international legal order. Greece's foreign policy is pursued in firm adherence to International Law, to the Charter of the United Nations, in respect for the principle of sovereignty, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and the prohibition of the threat or use of force.
At this point, the Minister also expressed support for the “UN 80” initiative. This reform initiative aims to make the Organization more flexible and effective, enabling it to respond to today's complex global challenges.
We will briefly refer to the Minister's telephone conversation with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, where, in addition to the issue of the Board of Peace and Greece's participation, another issue discussed was the Strategic Dialogue, for which the US Secretary of State expressed his readiness to come to Greece as soon as possible. At any rate, the objective difficulties caused by Mr. Rubio's increased responsibilities are understandable.
The discussion focused on bilateral cooperation, with emphasis, as I mentioned, on the Strategic Dialogue, energy, and regional developments, especially in the Middle East.
I will refer to the visit of Deputy Foreign Minister Alexandra Papadopoulou to Washington, her participation in the Delphi Forum and contacts with all sides of the political spectrum of the US Congress.
The Deputy Secretary of State met with the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman, Jim Risch, the House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman, Brian Mast, the Congressional Hellenic-Israel Alliance (CHIA) Co-Chairs Congressmen Gus Bilirakis and Brad Schneider, and the CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC), Ted Deutch.
During her stay, she also participated in the Critical Minerals Ministerial, an American initiative organized by the US Secretary of State, and met with officials and delivered speeches at think tanks. She spoke on issues related to the Eastern Mediterranean, the Middle East, the Western Balkans, and the energy sector in general. There was, I would say, during the Deputy Minister's talks, a general acknowledgment of Greece's role in the Eastern Mediterranean, both as a reliable ally and as a pillar of stability.
I will conclude our meeting today with a positive message.
Yesterday’s event on the World Greek Language Day, the establishment of which is a collective Greek success.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs hosted the first official event yesterday to mark World Greek Language Day. The decision for its proclamation was officially adopted, endorsed, ratified at the 43rd Session of the UNESCO General Conference.
This decision constitutes a historic recognition of the Greek language, which we have honored here at home, but which has also been honored and will be honored by over 100 of our diplomatic and consular authorities around the world. This is the beginning. Henceforth, the Greek language will be celebrated annually on February 9th, the day of remembrance for our national poet, Dionysios Solomos.
I am at your disposal.
D. KRIKELAS: I have the following question: In recent days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had conveyed the message that the issue of the delimitation of maritime zones with Türkiye has not been put on hold. I would therefore like to ask whether any preparatory work has been carried out in this regard and what Greece’s intentions are for tomorrow’s meetings. Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: The issue of delimitation is not on the agenda of the High-Level Cooperation Council. Should it be raised, it will be discussed. However, at this stage, the necessary conditions for moving forward in that direction are not in place.
K. ALATZAS: There has been another statement by Hakan Fidan, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Türkiye, directly accusing the Greek Minister of National Defense, Mr. Nikos Dendias, of essentially undermining efforts toward Greek-Turkish rapprochement through his stance and statements. This statement was made just before the meeting of the two leaders and the convening of the 6th High-Level Cooperation Council. Does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have any comment on Mr. Fidan’s remarks concerning Mr. Dendias? Also, although the Ministers of Defense had participated in the 5th High-Level Cooperation Council held in Athens in December 2023, they will not take part in tomorrow’s Council. Is there an explanation for this? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: With regard to the comments you mentioned, I have nothing further to add beyond the fact that Greece pursues an active foreign policy based on the universal values of International Law. We will not deviate from these principles while tangibly seeking peace and good neighborly relations. When it comes to matters of national interest, there can be no discussion. Regarding participation, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not competent to comment. However, you are aware that the Minister of National Defense will be in Brussels, and, as far as I know, his Turkish counterpart will be there as well.
A. FOTAKI: Since you did not refer to the participation of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Papadopoulou—why will she not attend the High-Level Cooperation Council, given that she is leading the political dialogue? And is there any basis to the reports concerning her possible resignation? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding Deputy Minister Papadopoulou: she has been diagnosed with influenza A and, for precautionary reasons, it was deemed necessary for her to be hospitalized. As for your second question, there is no issue of resignation. In any case, she enjoys the full support of the Minister of Foreign Affairs.
K. BALI: A clarification and a question. The clarification: You mentioned that we all understand the objective difficulties arising from Minister Rubio’s responsibilities?
L. ZOCHIOU: Yes, given that he has responsibilities beyond those of the Secretary of State.
K. BALI: Understood. Now, the question. A High-Level Cooperation Council, in theory, should always produce something, some positive development. Could you give us any indication? Should we expect something regarding Halki, perhaps a positive announcement? I imagine it was delayed for an entire year for a reason.
L. ZOCHIOU: The High-Level Cooperation Council is an institutionalized regular meeting between the two leaders. Regardless of whether agreements are reached, what is important is that dialogue takes place at the highest level. It is in everyone’s interest for dialogue to continue and for communication channels to function at all levels. Therefore, beyond what I have already stated in my introductory remarks —that Greece seeks to maintain good neighborly relations— the High-Level Cooperation Council conveys a message of normalcy, which we aim to preserve in our relations with Türkiye.
M. TSILINIKOU: Maria Tsilinikou from SKAI and cnn.gr. Will Athens raise the issue of the casus belli with Ankara? We have heard the Prime Minister repeatedly state in interviews that when he meets with the Turkish President, he will raise this specific issue. Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Raise it in what context?
M. TSILINIKOU: In the context of dialogue. Athens has repeatedly stated that as its position, including in relation to the SAFE program, that this issue will be raised regardless of developments.
L. ZOCHIOU: I have no such information.
A. TELOPOULOS: Telopoulos from iefimerida and “EF.SYN” newspaper. Could you tell us a bit more about the Prime Minister’s phone call with the President of Cyprus? Obviously, the Cyprus Issue, as a non-bilateral matter, will not be on the agenda, but the timing of the call does not seem coincidental. Do you believe there will be any discussion between the two leaders, who are catalysts for the resumption of talks? And to follow up on Ms. Bali’s question: if I am not mistaken, Ms. Zacharaki will be present. If not for Halki, is it possible that this relates to minority issues, meaning minority schools or perhaps both?
L. ZOCHIOU: Whatever emerges from this High-Level Cooperation Council, as always, will be announced afterwards. At this stage, I have nothing further to add beyond what has already been stated. As for the Cyprus issue, I have already outlined the agenda and have nothing further to add.
A. TELOPOULOS: The question was whether there would be a discussion.
L. ZOCHIOU: As I mentioned, it is not on the agenda of the High-Level Cooperation Council. Therefore, on this issue, I have nothing to add.
P. MICHOS: Panayiotis Michos from “To Manifesto” newspaper. Were explanations provided by Nicosia —either orally or through appropriate diplomatic channels— regarding the unacceptable post by the Cypriot Ministry of Economy, which published online an article containing highly offensive references to Greece in the context of the electricity interconnection project? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: That is an internal matter of the Republic of Cyprus. As for the GSI, Greece remains committed to implementing this project of strategic importance and of common European interest.
M. MOURELATOU: Maria Mourelatou from “TA NEA” newspaper. My first question concerns the phone call between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. Secretary of State. During that call, were we informed of a new invitation, or did we simply inform them about our already articulated position, namely about our reservations and our preference to limit our participation to the Gaza-related component? In other words, did we fully explain the problem we have, or were we briefed by the American side?
L. ZOCHIOU: It is not a problem; it is a position. Our position is clear, and I believe I was very explicit in my introductory remarks. This was discussed with the Secretary of State, as the dates were very close together, if you recall. I am not certain that there has been any further development. It should also be noted that this time it is a meeting. We will need to carefully examine what is anticipated.
M. MOURELATOU: And is there any comment from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding Mr. Lavrov’s recent statements about Greece? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: First of all, this is not a statement that brings anything new or takes us by surprise. Greece maintains a principled stance: unwavering adherence to International Law and absolute respect for the inviolability of borders. Naturally, Greece could under no circumstances fail to defend or to stand in support of those under attack. Indeed, our relations with Russia were at a satisfactory level prior to the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At present, our relations have been strained and frozen due to this development, and this is certainly not attributable to Greece. At this stage, we, of course, take note of what the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs said. We wish for and seek the restoration of good relations with Russia, when future conditions permit.
M. NICOLAIDOU: Good evening, Nikolaidou from “Estia” newspaper. You mentioned a meeting attended by Ms. Papadopoulou regarding minerals. What exactly was discussed? Greece was not the only country invited to this meeting. What precisely did we discuss concerning minerals?
**The Critical Minerals Ministerial was a U.S. initiative held on February 4 in Washington. Greece was represented by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alexandra Papadopoulou. Opening remarks were delivered by U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Fifty-four countries participated, including thirteen EU Member States, as well as the European Union, represented by the Commission’s Executive Vice-President, Stéphane Séjourné.
The agenda focused on an exchange of views on how to shape an appropriate framework for launching negotiations to conclude a multilateral trade agreement on critical minerals.
A Joint Press Statement was issued by the European Union, the United States and Japan, referring to their willingness to cooperate towards increasing their economic security and national security.
Greece continues to closely monitor developments on this matter, which are, of course, still at an early stage. It was, however, evident that the U.S. Administration attaches particular importance to this issue. **
D. KRIKELAS: Before the date of the High-Level Cooperation Council and the meeting between the Prime Minister and Tayyip Erdoğan was announced, Türkiye had issued an indefinite NOTAM/NAVTEX referring to the demilitarization of the Greek islands, to search and rescue operations in the Aegean, etc. Once the date of the High-Level Cooperation Council was announced, Türkiye issued yet another NOTAM reiterating claims concerning the demilitarization of the Greek islands in the Eastern Aegean. This occurred just two days before the Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs traveled to Ankara. How does the Ministry of Foreign Affairs assess these actions on the ground?
TH. ARGYRAKIS: It is not just the NAVTEX themselves. There were also statements or leaks from the Turkish Ministry of Defense accompanying those NAVTEX. Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Turkish Ambassador to protest? Has the matter been raised to Ankara through diplomatic channels?
N. PETANIDOU: May I add? We also had a statement last night by Ömer Çelik following the above developments. It was made just yesterday.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the NOTAM: it is unlawful in terms of its content, and the claims regarding demilitarization are unfounded. There is also an issue of competence, as it refers to activities within the Athens FIR, where the sole authority competent to issue NOTAMs is the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority. At this point, however, I would like to stress that these actions are not a surprise. It is not the first time that the Turkish side has used and instrumentalized a technical instrument, such as a NOTAM, for political purposes. Unilateral and legally unfounded claims cannot affect matters falling within national jurisdiction.
As for the NAVTEX, these are baseless claims put forward by Türkiye. They have been rejected in the most official manner through a démarche addressed to the Turkish side at the bilateral level. A further démarche to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also being prepared and will be undertaken shortly. From our perspective, this is not assessed as an escalation. Disagreements and frictions with Türkiye do exist, and this line of argumentation essentially constitutes a reiteration of Ankara’s longstanding claims. Therefore, this does not take us by surprise, nor does it create any faits accomplis.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: So, the Turkish Ambassador has not been summoned to the Ministry?
L. ZOCHIOU: A démarche has been made. Démarches may be delivered either to the Ambassador or to the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: Yes, I understand, that is why I am asking whether the Ambassador was summoned here or whether it was made at the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
L. ZOCHIOU: I have nothing further to add on that point. A démarche has been made.
P. MICHOS: Within the European Union, there is growing discussion about a possible updating of the EU–Türkiye Customs Union. A few days ago, Commissioner Marta Kos was in Istanbul. Will Greece give its consent to such a development? And, if so, could it argue that the casus belli must first be lifted or that there must be an explicit recognition by Türkiye that there are no claims regarding the demilitarized status of our islands? Thank you.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the Customs Union, we are assessing the facts. It should be noted that, for the modernization or updating of the Customs Union, proper implementation of the existing Customs Union is a prerequisite. In any case, the interests of the European Union and its member states must be taken seriously into account. I will refer to Commissioner Kos's statements, namely that both parties look forward to continuing engagement to improve the implementation of the Customs Union.
K. ALATZAS: Two or three brief clarifying questions regarding the Board of Peace. You said that we have a long-standing position with regard to the functioning of the Board of Peace. You also mentioned that we are in contact with partners and allies in order to clarify our stance and decide whether we will accept the invitation to participate in the meeting in Washington. The agenda of the meeting is being shaped these days. Will our response depend on the finalization of that agenda? And what are the factors that will… In any case, what are we expecting from our European partners? Are we waiting to see what their position will be and then follow suit? And would that be consistent with our long-standing position? I must say I am somewhat confused — I have not clearly understood the parameters we are examining in order to respond —quite soon, as the meeting is scheduled for February 19— to the invitation of the American President. That is one point. And secondly, when was the démarche you mentioned regarding the NOTAM and NAVTEX made? Thank you.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: If I may add, on the issue of Gaza. Who exactly are these partners? Are you referring only to the European partners? Because this initiative includes European partners, and Hungary. There are also other partners, such as Israel. Egypt is also a partner and is participating. Türkiye, as a NATO ally, is also a participating partner. With which partners are we consulting in order to reach a decision?
L. ZOCHIOU: First of all, regarding the agenda of the meeting, I am not aware of its details. We would like some further clarifications regarding the terms of participation, but beyond that, I have nothing to add. As for the European partners, according to the latest information available, there is no full convergence on participation in the meeting. Therefore, at this stage, this is one parameter under consideration. Moreover, when we refer to partners, to give you an example, Egypt is one of them. The Minister had a phone conversation on this matter with his Egyptian counterpart the day before yesterday.
C. KRATSI: About the démarche?
L. ZOCHIOU: I do not have a specific date at hand — I could revert to you on that — but I believe there is no doubt that a démarche has been made.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: May I ask something further? It was reported in a Sunday newspaper that discussions are taking place within the framework of NATO, led by our Permanent Representative, with the Turkish side. Is this accurate? And if so, what is the agenda of these discussions?
L. ZOCHIOU: With regard to that report as such, the information is not confirmed.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: One more question, prompted by the espionage case, or the alleged espionage case. Has there been any contact with the Chinese Embassy, or are you awaiting the outcome of the preliminary investigation?
L. ZOCHIOU: There is an ongoing procedure, namely the process of gathering evidence. A relevant report will follow once the investigation is complete. At the same time, our bilateral relations and diplomatic relations must be founded on mutual respect. Our intention is to maintain these relations at their current level, provided, of course, that the aforementioned conditions are clearly upheld.
Thank you. Have a good day.
February 10, 2026