Statement of the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lana Zochiou:
''Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis, met in Athens today, Wednesday, August 20, with the interim Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, Asaad Al-Shaibani.
The two officials underlined that today's meeting offered a significant opportunity to further strengthen and enhance bilateral relations, amid a volatile geopolitical context, particularly in light of developments in the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean. Discussions also focused on Greece providing technical expertise in institution-building and promoting cooperation in migration issues by establishing technical committees.
Mr. Gerapetritis reiterated Greece's longstanding support for Syria's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. He further underscored the necessity for the Syrian transitional government to uphold its commitments regarding inclusive governance, free from external interference, ensuring that no ethnic or religious community is excluded.
In addition, he reaffirmed Greece’s steadfast interest in the protection of Christian communities in Syria and the importance of maintaining an open channel of communication between the Syrian transitional government and the Patriarchate of Antioch, which is a key institution that protects and fosters Damascus' ties with the Greek Orthodox and the overall Christian population in Syria. He also stressed the importance of adhering to International Law, and in particular, to the Law of the Sea, as well as of respecting the sovereign rights of neighbouring states.
Ministers Gerapetritis and Al-Shaibani confirmed their mutual will to promote regional cooperation through the establishment of a trilateral scheme with the participation of the Republic of Cyprus. The first meeting of the scheme, at the level of foreign ministers, is expected to take place in September, on the margins of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly, in New York.
August 20, 2025