JOURNALIST: When will the site-surveys related to the Greece–Cyprus electricity interconnection project resume? How feasible do you consider maintaining calm waters in the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean, given Türkiye’s reactions on the field, as well as its unfounded claims against both the Marine Spatial Planning and the marine parks? When will the pending High-Level Cooperation Council take place?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The Greece-Cyprus electricity interconnection project, which will lift Cyprus' energy isolation, will proceed. We have already demonstrated through actions, not just words - namely with the Marine Spatial Planning, the marine parks, and the announcement of a tender for offshore blocks south of Crete - that we are not deterred by reactions when it comes to exercising our sovereign rights, in accordance with our national interest and in full respect of International Law. We obviously expected these reactions and harbored no illusions that our neighbors would abandon theories they have baselessly developed over decades. Greece’s strong and proactive foreign policy naturally triggers responses.
However, Greece does not define itself with reference to third parties. Through the initiatives, which we have undertaken in the past two years, we have shifted from a merely reactive stance to an active engagement, thus significantly enhancing our position in the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean. And all this while violations of our national airspace and irregular migration flows in the Aegean have been minimized thanks to a structured dialogue we have developed with Türkiye, without overlooking our substantive differences.
In this context, we are currently seeking a mutually suitable date for convening the next High-Level Cooperation Council.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned about reports suggesting that Khalifa Haftar’s side is ready to ratify the illegal Turkish–Libyan memorandum? In your recent interview you referred to a “functional relationship with Libya”. What do you mean by that?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Let us take a look at the facts. We have re-established channels of communication with both sides, in eastern and western Libya. In fact, we may be the only European country doing so at the highest level. We are constantly strengthening our bilateral trade. We are initiating technical discussions on the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Irregular migration flows through the southern corridor have decreased by 80%. We continue exchanging visits at all levels to develop multifaceted and mutually beneficial relations.
Indeed, the 2019 Turkish–Libyan memorandum remains a thorny issue in our relations with Libya. Its potential ratification by the House of Representatives in Benghazi would clearly strain our bilateral relations. Such a ratification would not render the Turkish–Libyan memorandum valid or legally binding, since it completely lacks any legal basis. However, this has not occurred. Let us also recall that Libya respected the Greek median line in the announcement of a tender for offshore blocks. Therefore, those who exploit serious issues related to migration, memoranda, and drilling rigs for purposes of political opposition should exercise restraint. Greece's overall position in Libya has not been weakened. It has rather been enhanced.
JOURNALIST: How do you respond to criticism regarding our strategic relationship with Israel? Is our country about to recognize an independent Palestinian state?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece maintains relations not only with Israel but also with the entire Arab world. We are at the forefront of efforts to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that is unfolding, we support the Palestinian Authority as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people, we insist on the cessation of hostilities and the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages. We consistently support the two-state solution as the only answer to the longstanding demand of the Palestinians for an independent state and Israel’s demand for security in the region. The question is not whether Greece will recognize a Palestinian state, but the exact time this will occur, within the framework of the political process and the United Nations.
JOURNALIST: Are you optimistic that progress can be made on the Cyprus Issue after the recent five-party talks?
G. GERAPETRITIS: I am very content that the Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ efforts at the United Nations, in alignment with the Republic of Cyprus, bore fruit and that the informal talks were resumed after seven years of inactivity. A key factor in this direction was the improvement of the climate in Greek-Turkish relations. Following the last informal meeting in a broader format that took place last July in New York, there is a timetable for the next steps and a list of Confidence-Building Measures. We remain committed to achieving a just, sustainable, and functional solution within the framework of the UN Security Council Resolutions. The Cyprus Issue constitutes a top national priority, and we will undertake every effort for the reunification of the island.
JOURNALIST: Are you concerned that the serious political crisis in France might cause further instability in the European Union, at this critical juncture, when important decisions have to be taken regarding Ukraine and the Middle East? Are you worried that the economic implications of the French crisis could affect the Greek economy?
G. GERAPETRITIS: France sets the tone for Europe, and any internal crisis can potentially have spillover effects. Europe needs a strong France, especially in today’s era of multiple challenges. However, I do not believe the Greek economy will be affected. It has now entered a path of sustainable growth with prudent fiscal management that enables the generation of surpluses, which are distributed to citizens within the strict EU constraints, and the reduction of public debt faster than any other EU country. Our greatest asset is political stability in an overall unstable international environment. Greece learned its lesson the hard way and it will not be swayed by utopian narratives.
JOURNALIST: Do you believe that the intense diplomatic activity of recent weeks will soon lead to an end to the war in Ukraine? How will our country contribute to Ukraine's security guarantees? Is there a possibility that Greek soldiers will be sent to Ukrainian territory? Are you concerned about Türkiye's involvement in this process, as well as the close relationship it appears to be forging with important European partners such as France, through cooperation in the defense industry?
G. GERAPETRITIS: After nearly three and a half years of fierce conflict, the current diplomatic momentum is a positive development. However, we cannot yet speak of a sustainable peace in the near future. Notwithstanding the clear need for dialogue to achieve real progress, the conditions of the discussions and the proposed peace terms are equally crucial. In principle, Ukraine cannot be excluded from any discussion. Let us not forget that this is an aggressive war that violates International Law and the UN Charter. Therefore, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the defending country must be pursued.
Just like on all critical global issues, Greece has adopted a principled stance in favor of International Law on Ukraine. I believe this position is not only morally right, but also absolutely serves our national interests. Those who naively and precariously consider our consistent stance to be wrong should understand that we would undermine our own ability to invoke International Law in our national issues, if we were to deviate from the principle of the universal adherence to International Law, in favor of a transactional foreign policy aimed at short-term benefits.
We will continue to support Ukraine in international fora and remain actively involved by providing humanitarian and development aid. However, there is no intention to participate militarily in any security guarantees. Türkiye has the second largest army in NATO and a self-reliant defense industry, enabling it to participate in such initiatives. This does not mean that we should shape our policy with reference to another country’s conduct. Greece possesses considerable international diplomatic capital, which, combined with a resilient economy and enhanced defense capabilities, grants us both prestige and strength. This becomes clear when taking into consideration our international alliances and our position in international organizations.
JOURNALIST: Over the past 24 hours, we have been following the unrest at the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai. In early August, you welcomed your Egyptian counterpart to Athens. Are we close to an agreement regarding the legal status of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai?
G. GERAPETRITIS: We are not involved in the internal affairs of the Monastery, which we are closely following. These developments certainly carry the risk of further complicating an issue that we are trying to address in cooperation with the Egyptian authorities. I had a productive discussion with my Egyptian counterpart on safeguarding the rights of the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai and the preservation of its unique character, during his visit to Athens. The complexity of this matter is obvious, given that in the course of the 15 centuries of the Monastery’s existence, there has never been a formal legal arrangement protecting its status. As with many other matters, we are attempting to resolve long-standing issues that have become increasingly complicated over the years. Greece is actively engaged in this discussion with the Egyptian side, which is important and not self-evident.
JOURNALIST: Do you believe that the current excellent level of Greek-American relations can be maintained under Donald Trump's Presidency? How would you describe your relationship with your American counterpart, Marco Rubio?
G. GERAPETRITIS: Our relations with the United States are strategic and transcend individuals. For this reason, we maintain communication channels both within the government and Congress at all levels. I was one of the first Ministers of Foreign Affairs to meet with Mr. Rubio in Washington D.C., only a few weeks after he assumed office, and we met again in The Hague. Our relationship is excellent. I have also met with the Chairs and Vice-Chairs of the relevant Foreign Affairs Committees of the House and Senate, Greek-American members of Congress, and members of the Administration. In my view, our relations will undoubtedly be further enhanced.
August 31, 2025