G. GERAPETRITIS: We had an extremely important bilateral meeting with my French counterpart in Paris today. We discussed issues of bilateral, European, and international interest.
Regarding bilateral issues, we particularly highlighted the increase in bilateral trade over the last five years and the potential for further growth in sectors such as energy, environmental protection, artificial intelligence, educational exchanges, and academic institutions.
We also discussed European issues with particular reference to strategic autonomy and migration. These are two areas in which we are in full alignment with the French government. Greece is convinced that Europe’s autonomy, both in the defense sector and in the geopolitical sphere in general, will bring multiple benefits to Europe and to the member states.
Furthermore, Greece and France share the same concerns on the issue of migration. We firmly believe that the external borders of the European Union must be protected and that there must be fair burden-sharing.
With regard to international issues, we discussed with my French counterpart matters related to Gaza, the wider Middle East, the war in Ukraine, Libya and Syria.
As for Gaza, we share a common understanding on the issues related to the status in the wider Middle East. We took note of the need for a European mechanism for overseeing the humanitarian aid currently provided, in order to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. We also discussed the need for an immediate ceasefire and the release of the hostages.
In relation to Ukraine, we condemn Russia's ongoing aggression. We referred to the issue of avoiding the circumvention of the sanctions’ framework currently in place against Russia and the need for a substantive, immediate and unconditional ceasefire to ensure the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
With regard to Syria, we both share the view that there should be a much stronger preventive security policy, especially with regard to religious communities. The transitional government should demonstrate in practice its inclusiveness, include members of religious communities in all government entities and ensure an environment of full security for the entire population.
Finally, on Libya, we discussed our common challenges relating to migration issues. And of course, the political stability of Libya, which, given that Africa, especially Sub-Saharan Africa, is currently in a state of general unrest, creates conditions for the crisis to spill-over, which would also affect Europe.
JOURNALIST: And now I want to ask you about Libya. What is France's position regarding your own initiatives and the visit to Libya? Did you discuss France's assistance?
G. GERAPETRITIS: The French Foreign Minister showed particular interest in the relationship we are developing with Libya and the possibility of our upcoming visit and asked to be briefed on these issues. The position of the French government is that there should be a political solution to the Libyan issue, so that Libya, through a Libyan-owned process, can transition to a unified and robust governance.
At the moment, an increase in migratory flows from Libya has been observed on both sides, from the eastern part towards Greece and from the western part to Italy. It is important to note that Libya must strictly comply with International Law. It must respect in particular the regulations concerning the International Law of the Sea.
France fully agrees with the Greek position that there should be full compliance by all states with the International Law of the Sea, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean. We agreed that there should be a framework of understanding so that member states exercise their sovereign rights on the basis of International Law and that there should be no deviation from these rights.
June 27, 2025