JOURNALIST: On the telephone line we have the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Gerapetritis. Good morning, Minister.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Good morning. The honour is mine. Thank you very much.
JOURNALIST: I think that this interview is taking place at the most critical moment. Minister, you were also at NATO, in the Hague. Have you left?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We have left and I am on my way to Paris, where tomorrow we will have a very critical bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, in the context of the development of our bilateral relations, coordination on regional security issues and of course to see how we will address the major ones. Because, you know, these may be critical moments for Greek foreign policy, but they are even more critical for the international security architecture, which is under multiple threats.
JOURNALIST: Let us start with the latest development, the negative development in relation to the seismic surveys that Libya and Türkiye agreed to begin south of Crete. What exactly is happening there? Two maps were released yesterday. I would like to hear the official position of the Greek government and your own, Minister.
G. GERAPETRITIS: First of all, let me point out that the Greek government is safeguarding its sovereign rights in the field. We take action, we do not stand by idly. Recently, over the last two years, we have developed a Maritime Spatial Planning that was long overdue. We are developing marine parks. We are granting permits on offshore blocks for hydrocarbon exploration to major companies. So, our sovereign rights in the field are safeguarded. Furthermore, it goes without saying that there will be reactions. You know, the Mediterranean is a closed sea, in which we have 21 states raising claims, 21 Mediterranean countries. Reactions are expected.
JOURNALIST: But at this stage, we are concerned about Türkiye and Libya.
G. GERAPETRITIS: With all due respect, allow me to say that reactions do not negate anyone's right to act, provided one acts in accordance with International Law. This is what we are saying, especially about Libya, because I see that Libya has recently become a very popular topic of discussion in Greece. Libya is a neighbouring country of Greece. For a long time, we have been seeking to delimitate our Exclusive Economic Zone with Libya. Unfortunately, this has not been achieved over time. We had the Turkish-Libyan memorandum of 2019, which is obviously null and void, because it has no basis in International Law. According to Libya and Türkiye, it produces results. What I want to emphasize is the following. Firstly, that at first glance the map that is being circulated concerns surveys in maritime zones that are south of the median line. So, essentially, Libya's area of jurisdiction. Therefore, Greek sovereign rights are not affected.
JOURNALIST: What was the first map that was released yesterday about? Because two maps were released.
G. GERAPETRITIS: I am talking about the map that geographically locates the offshore blocks that will be granted.
JOURNALIST: To the oil company?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Correct. From there on, Türkiye or Libya can produce their own maps, which, as you understand, have relative value. Secondly, I would like to mention the fact that, while we continue to seek delimitation with Libya – as you know, I am planning a visit in the near future – unfortunately, relations with Libya have been turbulent for a long time. And they were disrupted, not only because of Türkiye's presence in Libya. They were disrupted for many reasons.
JOURNALIST: But aren't you worried that your visit in July will be in a hostile environment? Because both Haftar on the one hand and the rest of the Libyan political leadership on the other are in favour of Türkiye and against us. They are even denouncing us with their announcements.
G. GERAPETRITIS: Allow me to say that what you have described is a rather simplistic interpretation. Libya is essentially a divided state.
JOURNALIST: Correct.
G. GERAPETRITIS: It is a state with no political unity currently, no single interlocutor. So, the endeavour itself is very difficult. Libya poses a geopolitical challenge in general, not only for Greece. It constitutes a problem for Italy as well, which is also experiencing increased migration flows from western Libya. And it is a problem for Europe as a whole. In the last two days, I met with the Commissioner for Migration, with the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, with the office of the President of the European Commission. I had talks with my Italian counterpart.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Tajani.
G. GERAPETRITIS: And with other Europeans to coordinate our actions. And I believe that the issue of Libya will be raised today at the European Council in Brussels. And I expect that there will be a clear position on behalf of the European Union in relation to the Turkish-Libyan memorandum being null and void. So, in terms of safeguarding our own interests, all the necessary steps have been taken. Often out of ignorance or self-interest, many rush to express their opinion on foreign policy issues. Yesterday, for example, the opposition rushed to issue statements of condemnation, before even seeing the map. The same has happened in the past with respect to court rulings. Greek foreign policy does not hesitate. We will exercise our sovereign rights in all cases.
Accusations are always made against us, whether we act or not. Reactions are expected. Of course, we were not surprised by the reactions of Libya, just as we expected the reactions of Türkiye to the Maritime Spatial Planning. However, that does not mean that Greece will refrain from exercising its rights. And at least for as long as I am at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I would like to state this in the clearest possible terms. Greece will exercise its rights, regardless of the complaints that may be expressed. I hear, with some reservation, the claim that Greece is experiencing consecutive diplomatic defeats.
JOURNALIST: Retreats...
G. GERAPETRITIS: Since anyone can say whatever they like, I will be clear. Is it a retreat that Greece, for the first time, has Maritime Spatial Planning? Is it a retreat that we have granted permits for offshore blocks to major American corporations? Is it a retreat that we have issued the marine parks framework? Is it a retreat that migration flows have been drastically reduced? Is it a retreat that airspace violations have significantly decreased? Is it a retreat that Greece is among the 15 countries shaping the global security architecture, among the 195 UN member states? Is it a retreat that, thanks in part to Greece, the Cyprus Issue is now at the top of the UN Secretary-General’s agenda? I will not talk about my own work, but at some point, those who are driven by self-interest and refer to foreign policy issues, should consider the damage they are causing. Greece is at the forefront, in the most challenging postwar European environment of the past 75 years, and is claiming the position it rightfully deserves.
JOURNALIST: Is this also the case for Mr. Samaras?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Yesterday, I was the only European who had a lengthy one-on-one meeting with the U.S. Secretary of State. I also met with my German, Canadian, and Italian counterparts. Greece is at the forefront everywhere. In recent days, I have had conversations with 15 Foreign Ministers from the broader region regarding ongoing developments. Do you know how many countries and Foreign Ministers are currently able to engage with everyone on a regular basis?
JOURNALIST: We assume that with Mr. Rubio you raised the issue of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum and the behavior of Libya and Türkiye?
G. GERAPETRITIS: All issues were raised, also at the European level. And you should expect relevant developments. On the issue of the Turkish-Libyan memorandum, I will clarify that we understand the position that it is considered established and almost sacred by Türkiye and Libya. However, International Law stands above memoranda and agreements. And the tools that Greece possesses will be activated at the appropriate time and manner.
JOURNALIST: Minister, let me ask you simply. Could we see the Oruc Reis again?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I don’t know. You see, in such a volatile situation, the only thing that is predictable is asymmetry and unpredictability. There is no longer predictability in foreign policy. What we can invest on is preparedness. The answer is that we are ready for all scenarios. At this moment, we possess the strength, we have the alliances to support us and we have a very strong national defense, reinforced in personnel, equipment, and capabilities. Fortunately, we also enjoy political stability, which is rare in Europe today. Our economy is performing well, our diplomacy is strong and impactful. We are capable of convening sessions at the Security Council. We have absolutely no fear.
JOURNALIST: You did not answer my question. Does your comment about those who are currently voicing intense criticism, as you said, also refer to former Prime Minister Mr. Samaras?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I am not going to criticize anybody personally. What I would say is that this kind of political nihilism, refusing to acknowledge anything positive and seeking out the negative in matters of great national sensitivity and importance for the Greek people, particularly at a time when the entire world is in turmoil, is not productive for the country.
JOURNALIST: Minister, earlier you said that we are ready to exercise our sovereign rights. If Türkiye or Libya go beyond the offshore blocks they have announced and enter the Exclusive Economic Zone based on the Greece-Egypt agreement, will we exercise our sovereign rights?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I tell you unequivocally that this will not be allowed to happen. There are procedures in place, there are the appropriate fora, which will halt any action in violation of International Law.
JOURNALIST: Will there be a response on the ground?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are fortunate to have assets that very few countries possess. Greece is among the ten elected countries that, for 2025 and 2026, will co-shape the global security architecture. That says a lot. We should not underestimate it.
JOURNALIST: Will there be action on the ground? I mean, if Turkish or Libyan vessels enter the Exclusive Economic Zone delineated between Greece and Egypt, will there be a direct response?
G. GERAPETRITIS: There are scenarios in place for all possible contingencies. I would like to convey that. You understand that I cannot speak publicly on matters concerning national security. What I can assure you is that plans exist for every contingency. The Governmental Council for Foreign Affairs and Defense (KYSEA) prepares all the scenarios. At the moment, we are fully prepared.
JOURNALIST: Very well. Let’s turn to the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, Egypt. One of the accusations addressed to the government is that it gave the green light for Egypt to receive €4 billion from the European Union without first ensuring the status of the Monastery, whose property rights are currently put into question. It is seen as a setback, especially in light of the assurances given by President Sisi during his visit to Athens. What is your response?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Once again, I believe we are witnessing a blatant distortion of facts. It is part of a broader pattern of political opportunism that certain segments of the political scene in Greece seem to have embraced recently. What are the facts here? We are dealing with the case of the Holy Monastery, indeed, a landmark Greek Orthodox place of worship in Sinai. It is the oldest functioning Monastery in the world, and, for this reason, it carries immense symbolic value for our country and for Christianity as a whole.
Now, the Monastery’s legal personality has never been officially recognized - not just recently, but for the past fifteen centuries. Even the monks residing in the Monastery are there essentially at the goodwill of the Egyptian authorities, since their residence permits are renewed monthly. In other words, if Egypt decided today to suspend the operation of the Monastery, it could do so quite easily, regardless of the property status. So, things are not as simple as they appear. The issue arose from a lawsuit filed by the local governor. The court ruled positively on the religious and historical character of the Monastery, affirming that it should not be altered, but negatively regarding ownership, asserting that areas designated as archaeological sites cannot constitute private property, as is the case in many countries. Our immediate response was to engage in consultations with the Egyptian government. We are now at an advanced stage of discussions aiming at the following. First, to ensure legal recognition and protection of the Monastery’s status - something that would happen for the first time in fifteen centuries. Second, to ensure continuity of the Monastery’s operation, so that the monks can reside there long-term without relying on monthly visa renewals. Third, to safeguard the ownership - where possible - of the Monastery’s places of worship. And finally, to achieve for the first time an official recognition by the Egyptian state of the Monastery’s special status.
JOURNALIST: When will you return to Egypt?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Some may complain today because a court ruling was issued, but court rulings can be issued anywhere. What truly matters now is the future of the Monastery. I have met with the monks of Sinai many times since the issue arose. Of course, I was not initially responsible for the negotiations. I assumed the role later on. Yes, I have met with them multiple times. I would like to emphasize that they fully support the efforts of Greece to secure a special status for the Monastery. We are working in complete coordination with the Monastery itself and with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. I believe the Egyptian government is acting in good faith and is willing to address these issues constructively.
JOURNALIST: Yes, but it still resists recognizing the ownership status.
G. GERAPETRITIS: I would like to say to those who view such matters very simplistically that Egypt is of critical importance for our country’s strategic interests. It is not necessary to elaborate on the reasons. Egypt’s neighborhood is arguably the most volatile region in the world. Let us look at its attitude to the issues that have arisen. At the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, six countries from the Islamic bloc, led by Egypt, resisted efforts to pass a resolution in favor of the occupied territory of Cyprus and against Greece regarding the Muslim minority. Egypt and five other countries objected those efforts. That did not happen by chance. It happened due to the alliances Greece has built and the brotherly ties we maintain with Egypt - and we intend to preserve those ties. Those who choose to pursue a naive, superficial approach to geopolitical issues are causing serious harm.
JOURNALIST: So, you believe that the issue of the Monastery of Saint Catherine will have a positive resolution? And when will you return to Egypt?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Our level of cooperation is good. I believe that there will be developments in the immediate future. If needed, we will hold another meeting with the Egyptian Foreign Minister. I was pleased to read an article of his in “Kathimerini”, in which he addressed these matters, endorsing the Monastery’s continuous Greek Orthodox religious character. I believe that the strong cooperation between the two countries will lead to positive outcomes.
JOURNALIST: Minister, will the High-Level Cooperation Council convene in July so that the Prime Minister, yourself, and the entire Greek delegation can visit Türkiye?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The High-Level Cooperation Council with Türkiye will be held in the near future. I cannot tell you when, because at the moment the timing is very complex. I want to tell you that for us - and I think for Cyprus as well - the UN meeting on Cyprus in a broader format is more crucial than the High-Level Cooperation Council. It is an extremely crucial meeting. It will be held in July, the exact date has not yet been determined and it will probably be in New York, so it depends on when we will arrange it.
JOURNALIST: So, It seems that it will be most likely held in autumn.
G. GERAPETRITIS: No, I can't tell you that. I hope that we will be able to find convenient dates. But I want to say that the structured dialogue with Türkiye - because this is the special feature of the dialogue in the last two years - that is, the Political Dialogue, the Confidence Building Measures and the Positive Agenda, continue as normal. We will also have the High-Level Meeting according to the schedules of the two leaders.
JOURNALIST: Now, since you mentioned Türkiye. There is a discussion about Türkiye's participation in the defense mechanisms of Europe. Do you think that we can block Türkiye from participating in the defense mechanisms or is it a done deal and Türkiye will be like this anyway?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Let's start from the acknowledgement that Türkiye has developed a defense industry that has truly become a diplomatic weapon for this country. In recent decades, it has reached a level of internal defense industry that allows it to have a say, especially now that we all understand the value of defense cooperation at the international level and especially of Europe's strategic autonomy. Things are very clear. This regulation - because this is an EU regulation, namely a legislative text of the European Union - is voted by majority, by qualified majority. Not every country has a veto. We cannot block this regulation. Whoever claims this, does so either because they are unaware or because they want to promote something else. So, let me say this clearly: the regulation cannot be blocked by any country.
So, no country can block this regulation, because there is an established majority of EU member states, that wishes the inclusion, not only of Türkiye, but of all third countries, namely non-members of the European Union that belong to NATO. This includes the United States and the United Kingdom. Why? Because what interests Europeans is to open the market, so that they can purchase cheaper and not invest huge resources.
On the other hand, Greece and some other countries object to the fact that any country can at any time participate in the SAFE program - which is timely limited, it is not a permanent program. So, what did we say? We said that, in order for any country to participate in the EU’s SAFE defense program, a bilateral agreement must first be signed between the European Union and the third country. Let me put it simply. If Türkiye wants to take part in these programs, a bilateral EU-Türkiye agreement must first be signed. That agreement would require unanimity.
So, while the regulation itself did not foresee a right of veto and the EU could have easily passed it by majority vote, allowing countries such as Türkiye, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada to participate, that did not happen. Instead, thanks to the vigorous diplomacy we exercised, we established a second stage, where Greece could object.
Therefore, far from suffering a defeat under the circumstances, we actually created from scratch a mechanism through which we now have a decisive say. If that is not considered successful diplomacy under these conditions, I really have nothing else to say. What I do know is that there are procedures that should be followed. I respect any differing opinion. But anyone who believes they could have achieved something more effective and beneficial for the country is welcome to say so. But they should present facts. If they think we could have blocked the regulation, let them say it. I will simply point them to the relevant article of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, which does not allow for a veto in this case. So, while no veto was originally provided, we created one thanks to our diplomatic strategy. Let us not forget that Cyprus also signed the regulation, whereas it arguably has even more reasons to oppose Türkiye’s participation in defense programs.
JOURNALIST: Thank you very much, Minister. I think you gave us very clear answers on Libya, Sinai and the SAFE Mechanism. And you have also, in your own way—and at times quite directly—responded to the criticisms you face. Now, about internal criticism… I’m still not quite sure why you are facing attacks from within the party, Minister.
G. GERAPETRITIS: A person’s politeness is often mistaken for weakness. Let me assure you, that is absolutely not the case. I always rely on rational thinking. My sole and unwavering compass is the national interest. I will continue to serve it. I will remain courteous and respectful, but everyone should understand that issues of national interest need to be addressed in a responsible manner. Let us find another field for political games, but not when it comes to these issues.
JOURNALIST: Indeed. It is crystal clear. Thank you very much, Minister. We certainly endorse your courtesy as well. Thank you. Good morning.
June 26, 2025