L. ZOCHIOU: Good morning, wishes for Easter.
We will start with yesterday’s historic endorsement, by Greece and the Western Balkans partners, of the Delphi Declaration on the European Integration of the Western Balkans. If we were to provide a headline, it would be “the European perspective of the Western Balkans, from the Thessaloniki Agenda 2003 to the Delphi Declaration 2026”.
23 years after the Thessaloniki Agenda, Greece’s commitment, and that of the Western Balkans partners, to their integration into the EU is renewed, as an irreversible path, as a geopolitical investment in peace and stability.
The Delphi Declaration is the starting point of the Greek initiative for the Western Balkans, which has been undertaken by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis. Yesterday's accomplishment, the endorsement of the Delphi Declaration, was the culmination of tireless efforts in this direction.
Greece, in view of its upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the second half of 2027, remains a committed supporter and a driving force for the integration of all Western Balkan partners into the European Union.
Greece's pertinent actions aim at the adoption of the European acquis by the Western Balkans, as well as at the promotion of economic convergence and regional stability in areas such as energy, connectivity, migration, and security.
The planned actions, on the part of Greece, to strengthen the European perspective of the Western Balkans include:
- the endorsement of the Delphi Declaration, as a follow-up to the Thessaloniki Agenda, which constitutes the first step of the Greek initiative for the Western Balkans
- visits by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Western Balkans in the coming period and the planning, by the end of the year, of a Ministerial meeting in Athens.
Greece is willing and prepared to provide expertise in critical areas, such as the rule of law, public administration, digital governance, transport, and energy infrastructure and to effectively support the reform efforts of the partners in the region.
In this context, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will shortly meet with the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos.
Regarding developments in the wider Middle East,
The extension of the ceasefire between the US and Iran provides the necessary space for diplomacy to succeed towards peace in the wider region.
Preventing further escalation is essential. We reiterate the need for universal respect for International Law, including International Humanitarian Law and the International Law of the Sea.
We reiterate that freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of International Law, including under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Greece has declared its readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait, when conditions allow. We actively participate in the relevant initiatives of the United Kingdom and France.
Our primary concern is the protection of seafarers and the security of ships. We are enhancing our coordination with the maritime community, the IMO, and support these partnerships aiming at safe, continuous and unimpeded passage through the Strait.
On the occasion of the meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Deputy Prime Minister of Lebanon, Tarek Mitri,
The Minister of Foreign Affairs stressed Greece's unwavering support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
He welcomed the achieved ceasefire, brokered by the US government, as well as the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington D.C., which may contribute to long-term peace and stability in the region.
We believe that developments should pave the way for a comprehensive agreement on ceasefire and sustainable peace in the region.
Greece provides multidimensional assistance to Lebanon at diplomatic, humanitarian and military level.
On April 14, the Minister of Foreign Affairs co-signed, along with 17 of his counterparts, a joint statement calling for the inclusion of Lebanon in the regional de-escalation efforts and urging all parties to work toward a lasting political solution. The text also reaffirms, inter alia, the importance of full implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and declares continued support for the Lebanese state to exercise its full sovereignty over the whole Lebanese territory.
Greece will continue to support President Joseph Aoun and the Lebanese government in their efforts to strengthen solid state institutions.
More than one million Lebanese citizens have been affected by the conflict. On April 21, Greece completed an initial round of humanitarian assistance to Beirut, demonstrating, once again, its effective support to the Government and the friendly people of Lebanon.
The Greek assistance is structured around three main pillars:
1. Financial support through the UN. Greece has allocated the amount of 300,000 euros as an emergency financial contribution to the Lebanon Humanitarian Fund of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
2. Strengthening Lebanon’s health sector. In close cooperation with the World Health Organization (WHO), Greece is offering 500,000 euros to support the Lebanese health system.
3. Providing humanitarian assistance. The transport and delivery of 3 tons of humanitarian aid to Beirut was successfully completed. The cargo, which includes medical supplies, food, water, and essential relief items, was transported by a C-130 aircraft of the Hellenic Air Force to Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Lastly, Greece continues to reinforce the Lebanese Armed Forces, so that the full exercise of sovereignty in the country is ensured.
Regarding the Palestinian Authority
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis welcomed the Vice President of the Palestinian Authority, Hussein Al Sheikh, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Minister reiterated Greece’s position on the two-state solution as the only viable path to peace and security in the Middle East. Greece supports the strengthening and reform of the Palestinian Authority, as the sole legal representative of the Palestinians.
The Greek Foreign Minister stressed that the situation in Gaza and the West Bank should remain at the center of diplomatic efforts. We must not allow our attention to be diverted from Gaza. The full implementation of the second phase of the Peace Plan and UN Security Council Resolution 2803 is essential.
The humanitarian aspect remains a priority. The operation of existing and new crossing points must be ensured, as well as the provision of humanitarian assistance. It is also necessary to restore basic infrastructure and services in Gaza, such as the operation of hospitals.
Regarding the participation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the International Conference on Sudan
On April 15, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, participated in the 3rd International Humanitarian Conference on Sudan, which was held in Berlin. In his speech, Mr. Gerapetritis stressed, among other things, Greece’s steadfast commitment to the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan and called on all parties to fully respect International Humanitarian Law. He also spoke about the need for the immediate withdrawal of all external actors, the creation of safe passage corridors for humanitarian aid, the organized return of displaced persons to safe zones, as well as the provision of planned and predictable funding to legitimate local actors in Sudan. He also announced Greece's commitment for an additional financial contribution of 1 million euros.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister of Foreign Affairs had meetings with the Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates, the Special Envoy of the US Government for Arab and African Affairs, the Secretary of State of the United Kingdom, as well as the Chairperson of the African Union.
As for the meeting with the US Special Envoy they had a productive discussion focusing on developments in Libya and the political process. The Minister of Foreign Affairs informed Mr. Boulos about his visit to Benghazi and the upcoming visit to Tripoli, which will take place next Monday, April 27.
Greece supports the resolution of the Libyan issue through the holding of fair and free elections, without outside interference, for the establishment of a representative government in the country.
Digitization of Diplomatic and Historical Archives
On Monday, April 20, the Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered opening remarks at the event for the presentation of the project to digitize the Diplomatic and Historical Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As part of the project, over 31 million pages of documents from the period 1830-2010 were digitized, both from the Archives of the Central Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and from the Archives of many Greek Missions Abroad and over 84,000 folders of unclassified material were classified.
At the same time, every possible care has been taken for the sustainable preservation and storage of this material, both in its digitized version and with backup copies in analog format. It is also noted that in the new digitized material, easier and faster access and retrieval of information has been ensured using Artificial Intelligence tools, which makes it more user-friendly and more easily usable.
For Greek diplomacy, historical memory, awareness of the great moments, but especially of the failures of the past, is, as the Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized, a prerequisite for building future policy on solid foundations.
The new project significantly enhances the possibility of utilizing documented historical knowledge as an institutionally structured tool for international communication and the practice of diplomacy. But also, for the research community and for every interested citizen, clearly upgraded possibilities for accessing and studying the diplomatic history of Greece are now offered, with obvious limitations imposed due to the classified nature of certain documents.
In this way, the Diplomatic and Historical Archive functions as a hub of documentation, extroversion and transparency, strengthening Democracy and upgrading the international image and presence of our country.
Thank you.
M. NIKOLAIDOU: Nikolaidou from “Estia” newspaper. When, and if, the work of laying the cable between Greece - Cyprus - Israel begins, is Greece determined to protect this project by all means? Because Ankaras’ intention to harass anything that moves is clear. Anything that moves in sea waters that they claim as theirs, in their own view, in their own mind, they harass in all ways, continuously, both Greek vessels, Greek fishermen, and now the Dutch vessel as well. In other words, there is an intensification of tensions, which seems bound to continue. That is why the question is clear: Is Greece ready to defend this project by all means?
L. ZOCHIOU: Look, we cannot give you a single answer to all of this. We will have to look at the issues one by one and answer each one separately, since they are different issues. Let us start with the Dutch research vessel. Let us first clarify that this incident with the Dutch vessel did not occur in Kasos. It occurred much further south and east of Crete, in the international waters of the Mediterranean. The Dutch side requested, officially and in advance, permission by the Greek authorities to carry out work in a specific area, relating to maintenance works on an existing cable. The competent Greek authority issued a NAVTEX on this, informing on the execution of the works according to standard practice. Türkiye, citing the null and void Turkish-Libyan memorandum, asked the Dutch vessel to request permission, which of course, as far as we know, has not happened. In view of such actions, Greece has consistently advocated calm, adherence to International Law and the Law of the Sea, the respect of which is ensured through the consistent articulation and substantiation of our positions to all our interlocutors.
As regards the Great Sea Interconnector, updating the financial and technical parameters of the project remains a priority, as the two leaders, the Greek Prime Minister and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, have indicated in their statements. We stand ready for the implementation of the project, to which both Greece and the Republic of Cyprus, as well as the European Commission, as it is a Project of Common European Interest, remain committed.
CH. MAZANITIS: Christos Mazanitis, “ANT1 TV”. In light of the recent incident, which is a repetition of similar occurrences, are you concerned about the incident that occurred with the Dutch vessel southeast of Crete, in international waters? Whether Türkiye eventually succeeds in establishinga practice whereby anyone wishing to conduct research or any other kind of activity would be required to seek authorization not only from us but also from Türkiye.
L. ZOCHIOU: This is a hypothetical scenario, on which, as you comprehend, I cannot comment. We understand that recently there has been an intensification of tensions on the part of Türkiye that, we would say, is not working constructively. However, Greece will continue to work towards calm, good neighborly relations and regional stability.
M. NIKOLAIDOU: You did not answer my question, though. How will Greece protect the cable project? With frigates? What is Greece prepared to do should Türkiye revert to similar provocative actions? We know what happened in Kasos, too.
L. ZOCHIOU: I will stand by my previous response, Ms. Nikolaidou.
K. FRYSSA: Katerina Fryssa from “ERT TV”. Regarding Albania's European perspective and the steps that have been taken, has Tirana taken any specific steps for the protection of the Greek National Minority in the neighboring country, or any moves on the issue on the part of Albania?
L. ZOCHIOU: As we said in the opening remarks, Greece is and remains, 23 years after the Thessaloniki Agenda, a country at the forefront of the integration of our Western Balkan partners. Regarding your question on Albania, as you know, in October 2024 the accession negotiations with Albania essentially began, with the opening of the 1st Cluster, which concerns the Fundamentals. The 1st Cluster of Chapters opens first and closes last, and determines the overall pace of negotiations.
Our country's main message to the Albanian side is that the reform process regarding the Rule of Law, the protection of fundamental rights, the fight against corruption and organized crime, should proceed. Our priority is the commitments of the Albanian side regarding the protection of the rights of the Greek National Minority and the protection of property rights.
K. MARGARITIS: Good morning. Konstantinos Margaritis from “AXIA” newspaper. Yesterday, Mr. Rama tried to cover all of this in his speech. And in fact, among other things, he emphasized that he wants Albania to become an energy hub, with the support of the United States and the help of Greece. He also included an answer to Mr. Beleris, that the judicial system does not work. He increased the GDP. In other words, in a diplomatic way, Mr. Rama is trying to be on the news and achieve what he wants. With so many problems in the Western Balkans, do you believe that the European Union, through the accession of one or more new member states, can achieve balance and make progress?
L. ZOCHIOU: I will stick with what I said in the opening remarks regarding the Western Balkans and what I specifically mentioned about Albania to Ms. Fryssa’s question. There are conditions for joining the European Union, whether they relate to the European acquis, the rule of law, or good neighborly relations. I think all of the above answers your question.
CH. MAKRI: Regarding the Minister's visit to Libya, to Tripoli, on Monday. Do we have anything specific regarding the work of the committee that has been established for the delimitation of the EEZ? Will they or anyone else on this issue accompany him? Who will he meet with?
L. ZOCHIOU: Yes. Regarding the contacts that the Minister of Foreign Affairs will have, a relevant announcement will be issued in the coming days. As for the technical talks regarding the delimitation of maritime zones, the schedule for the next round, which will take place in Tripoli, will be set during the visit.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: You mentioned the Minister’s meeting with Mr. Boulos. As is well known, Trump’s special envoy for Africa and the Middle East, Mr. Boulos, is also said to be the carrier of the proposal for a quadrilateral meeting – Greece, Türkiye, Egypt, Libya. Was this issue mentioned during the meeting?
L. ZOCHIOU: There was no mention of it.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: Good. You mentioned something earlier, if I understood correctly, that when conditions in Hormuz permit it, Greece will assume a mediating role for the freedom of navigation? Did I hear you correctly?
L. ZOCHIOU: Look, it is not a mediating role. There are relevant initiatives by Britain and France on navigation in Hormuz, which include the diplomatic and operational dimension. Greece supports these initiatives. It will not play a mediating role for the time being. However, it will have a leading role in the issue of cooperation with the shipping industry.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: Given President Trump’s insistence toward the Europeans - particularly NATO members - regarding involvement in the issue of Hormuz, and since scenarios are already being discussed about potential participation, subject of course to agreement in various circles, even including possible Greek involvement in the Persian Gulf, in the Strait of Hormuz - where exactly does this initiative fit? In other words, does it fall within military scenarios, diplomatic ones, or both?
L. ZOCHIOU: All these initiatives, if and when they materialize, will be of a purely defensive nature. And all of this - let me clarify once again - concerns the post-war period.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: So, the possibility of a Greek naval or air-naval participation in Hormuz is not excluded, provided, of course, that conditions allow?
L. ZOCHIOU: I do not know what form it may take. I am not in a position to know that at this time, but in any case, we are referring to the period following the cessation of hostilities.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: One more question. Recently, the U.S. Ambassador to Ankara, Mr. Barrack, made statements at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum that, I would say, clearly lean in favor of Turkish positions and appear somewhat unbalanced - that is, clearly to the detriment of Greece and in favor of Türkiye. He notably said: “I won’t even attempt to navigate the Greece-Türkiye issue, because they’ll forbid me from ever visiting Mykonos again.” I don’t know - are you considering forbidding him from visiting Mykonos? Ultimately, who expresses the official U.S. position on Greek-Turkish relations? Is it Mr. Barrack or the U.S. Ambassador to Greece, Ms. Guilfoyle? Has Ms. Guilfoyle been, or will she be, summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide explanations?
L. ZOCHIOU: Explanations for what, exactly?
TH. ARGYRAKIS: For the statements. We do not know who expresses the official U.S. position, Mr. Barrack’s statements?
L. ZOCHIOU: On which issue?
TH. ARGYRAKIS: On what Mr. Barrack said.
L. ZOCHIOU: Regarding the F-35s?
TH. ARGYRAKIS: No, not about the F-35s. He essentially commented on Greek-Turkish relations. He clearly said that if he speaks about the Greek-Türkiye issue, the Greeks will forbid him from ever visiting Mykonos. Will Ms. Guilfoyle be summoned at some point for discussions? Ultimately, who represents - who conveys - the official U.S. position?
L. ZOCHIOU: Look, I believe your question would perhaps need to be somewhat more specific. Ambassador Guilfoyle has obviously not been summoned for anything of the sort.
TH. ARGYRAKIS: This is not the first time Mr. Barrack has spoken about Greek-Turkish relations - this was not his only statement. On the other hand, Ms. Guilfoyle has not expressed a position on Greek-Turkish relations. So, the question remains: who ultimately expresses or conveys the official U.S. position on Greek-Turkish relations?
L. ZOCHIOU: On the matter of representation, I cannot provide an answer. Let me put it differently: if you are asking more generally, we appreciate the positive intent on the part of the Ambassador with regard to Greek-Turkish relations. However, I believe that the framework is clearly defined and is fully covered by the Structured Dialogue between Greece and Türkiye.
M. MOURELATOU: Maria Mourelatou from “TA NEA” newspaper. Will the Minister of Foreign Affairs have any involvement in view of the French President’s visit to Greece in the coming days, tomorrow? Is there anything we should be aware of? And are there any updates regarding the Greece–U.S. Strategic Dialogue and the upcoming visit of the U.S. Secretary of State in that context? Thank you.
K. ALATZAS: Let me add a related question. Is there any information regarding the intentions of the Greek government - as has been repeatedly stated - to renew the strategic agreement between Greece and France? Greece, as you also mentioned, wishes to participate in initiatives that may be undertaken after the end of hostilities to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. To be more specific: following last week’s video conference convened at the initiative of President Macron, assisted by the British support, it has been reported in both domestic and international media, that there are certain concrete ideas for the post-hostilities period. First, demining of the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the safety of commercial shipping. Is Greece willing to participate in demining operations? Is it willing to participate in an operation in the spirit of “ASPIDES” - but in a different geographical area, namely the Strait of Hormuz? And given tomorrow’s visit of the French President, I assume these issues may be raised.
L. ZOCHIOU: To start from the latter point, I have nothing further to add, as I truly do not know how the situation in Hormuz will evolve. As for the visit of the French President, first of all, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will participate in the scheduled meetings. I understand that his French counterpart will not be present.
In addition, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will host a luncheon on Saturday in honor of the French delegation and the ministers accompanying the French President.
Regarding the visit itself, the only thing I can say - since you will be further briefed by the Government Spokesperson - is that it is a historic visit by the French President, five years after the signing of the Strategic Partnership Agreement on Security and Defense. Greece and France are linked by longstanding historical ties. We are partners in the European Union and allies in NATO, and we converge on many issues. Within the framework of the visit, a number of agreements will be signed across various sectors.
M. MOURELATOU: Regarding the Greece–U.S. Strategic Dialogue?
L. ZOCHIOU: I have nothing to announce at this stage.
N. PETANIDOU: Nikoleta Petanidou from “NAFTEMPORIKI” newspaper. There were reports in Libyan media stating that Massad Boulos had put forward a U.S. proposal regarding a political settlement between Benghazi and Tripoli, not through elections but rather through the establishment of a presidential council, possibly headed by one of the sons of Khalifa Haftar. During these couple of days that these reports circulated, there was a meeting in Berlin between the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Mr. Boulos, during which Libya was discussed. Did he mention anything regarding this proposal?
L. ZOCHIOU: I outlined our position on the political process and a comprehensive solution for Libya in my introductory remarks. I have nothing further to add. In any case, I am not competent to speak on Mr. Boulos’s initiatives.
M. MOURELATOU: Have we appointed a Special Envoy for Syria? I read a tweet yesterday concerning the UN and Syria that suggested we might have appointed one.
L. ZOCHIOU: Greece had a Special Envoy for Syria for many years, Ambassador Ms. Athanasiou. At present, our Embassy in Damascus remains open and operational, headed by Ambassador Mr. Kakavelakis.
April 23, 2026