Today’s crucial meeting of the NATO Ministers of Foreign Affairs comes at a critical juncture for humanity.
The war in Ukraine continues to produce grave consequences. This war affects not only the region but also the stability and security architecture globally. There should be an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, which will ensure the viability, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Ukraine and, of course, involve Ukraine in any discussion on its resolution.
The discussions on the Southern Neighborhood—North Africa, the Middle East, and the Sahel region—will be critical. This is currently the most volatile region in the world, afflicted by multiple humanitarian crises and wars. We must secure peace and prosperity for its people so that the region can achieve the stability that the global environment needs. Greece is particularly concerned about irregular migration and issues related to the freedom of navigation. Our country will raise these concerns in the context of the discussion that follows.
Discussions will also focus on matters of cooperation with the Indo-Pacific countries. This is an important partnership concerning cybersecurity, hybrid threats, and any other threat currently affecting the global economy and security.
Tomorrow marks 76 years since the signing of the North Atlantic Treaty on 4 April 1949, which, together with the United Nations and the European Union, represents the main structure on which the global security architecture has been based for decades. It is important to keep this bond intact to move forward in a highly complex environment marked by significant geopolitical changes. It is important to maintain both our common values and premises on security issues and, at the same time, support a prosperous economy within the global environment.
Imposing unilateral restrictions on the movement of goods does not contribute to economic security. Any issues regarding global trade between allies should primarily be resolved through mutual understanding and dialogue.
Greece will maintain a creative stance. We are in favor of the European Union's strategic autonomy and transatlantic cooperation. We will seek to constructively cooperate for the common good and interest, employing all possible means.
Thank you.
April 3, 2025