We concluded today a very important first round of contacts, which took place here in Brussels. On the first day we had the EU-Latin America & Caribbean Summit, where we were given a significant opportunity to develop our bilateral relations with important countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, which are also crucial in the global economic arena. All issues concerning our countries and the wider region were raised.
On Tuesday we had the opportunity to have meetings with the European Parliament and the European Commission at the highest level. We met with the Commissioner for Enlargement, Mr. Várhelyi, in the European Commission and with the Chairman of Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, Mr. McAllister, in the European Parliament. There we had discussions, primarily concerning EU enlargement, and especially of the Western Balkans. We confirmed Greece's position, which is extremely encouraging on enlargement, 20 years after the Thessaloniki Summit, which set the framework for the Western Balkans' path towards the European family. The role of Greece, as an accelerator and a really crucial player, as a factor of stability in the Western Balkans, was also highlighted.
We also had the opportunity to discuss with my counterpart, the Croatian Foreign Minister, issues directly related to the enlargement of the Western Balkans.
Furthermore, I raised with all my colleagues, including the European Commissioner and President McAllister, a very important issue for us, that of the Mayor of Himare, Fredi Beleri, who is being detained without trial. This is an issue which concerns the Rule of Law and the fundamental values of Western legal culture and for which Greece will do whatever is necessary to ensure justice is served.
In addition, this morning I had the opportunity to have an extensive discussion with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, during which we took an overview of the Vilnius Summit and the issues raised there. We had the opportunity to review how to further strengthen the Alliance's relations with the EU, but also to highlight Greece's position within these international organisations. I reiterated Greece's fundamental position that weapons provided to Atlantic Treaty countries cannot be used against another ally. This goes without saying and obviously relates back to the very alliance relationship that is being developed.
As for today, in my first participation in the EU Foreign Affairs Council, we had the opportunity to discuss a broad agenda, which included first of all the ongoing Russian aggression against Ukraine. We were also briefed by the Ukrainian Foreign Minister.
We had a discussion about the issues of EU-Türkiye relations. I informed my colleagues in the Council about the discussions held in Vilnius between the two delegations, the Greek and the Turkish delegations, the steps we are trying to take in order to de-escalate the tensions of the past years and open a positive channel of communication. As we have said, we will build upon this effort for friendship and good neighbourliness. It goes without saying, of course, that relations between Europe and Türkiye go through détente in our wider region and Türkiye's attitude towards fundamental chapters, such as the Cyprus issue.
I should point out, by the way, that today is a somber day for Hellenism. It is the anniversary of the 1974 Turkish invasion of Cyprus. We, I reiterate once again, will not tolerate any concessions towards the direction of creating new states that Türkiye is currently moving to. We insist on the solution of a bicommunal, bizonal federation, as adopted by all UN Security Council resolutions. We reiterated that today. Today, also, President Erdogan arrived at the illegal airport of Tymbou. We all realize that such actions do not help towards the direction of rapprochement and de-escalation of tension. We are not going to accept fait accomplis on the ground.
In any case, what has to be accepted is that the path to the European Union goes through the terms and conditions set by the European acquis and, of course, the relationship with Greece and Cyprus.
Lastly, I’d like to note that I participated in the EU-Bosnia and Herzegovina Stabilization and Association Council, a critical state of the Western Balkans for stability in our wider region. I participated to underscore the significance that Greece places on its neighbouring countries and on fostering stability in our region.
July 20, 2023