I welcome to Athens today the European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Ms. Kaja Kallas.
A personality of high standing, Ms. Kallas lends genuine prestige to the institution of the High Representative and serves with determination and distinction the European vision of deepening and strengthening the Union’s security, in exceptionally difficult times.
With Ms. Kallas, as always when we meet, we had a particularly productive discussion on developments in Ukraine, the Middle East, as well as on a global scale.
Regarding Ukraine, Greece will continue to support the struggle of the Ukrainian people to defend its independence and territorial integrity, and will contribute to the country’s reconstruction and development.
Greece will continue to support every peace initiative that aims to bring about an end to the war. And for this peace to be sustainable, Ukraine must be part of the solution and play a substantial role in the negotiations, as should the EU, which must always stand in support of Ukraine. We will ensure that this happens by all means.
On Gaza, it is of paramount importance to ensure that the arrangements reached are implemented, that the ceasefire is maintained, and that the humanitarian aid flows unimpeded to the civilian population in Gaza.
We look forward to the prompt reactivation of the European Union Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM) to facilitate the crossing of individuals and the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Greece, as a country geographically close to the Middle East and an honest interlocutor and friend to all parties, remains actively engaged in the present and future of Gaza, in pursuit of peace and prosperity in the region.
We remain committed to the two-state solution, based on the relevant UN Resolutions, as the only basis for the longstanding demand of the Palestinian people for an independent state, and of Israel for security in the region.
We consider the institutional and financial support of the Palestinian Authority to be essential, so that peace can be established in the war-torn Gaza area.
Beyond the two major conflicts in our region, Europe, as we discussed with the High Representative, has a duty to remain attentive to other regions of the world where crises are unfolding.
With regard to Africa, where armed conflicts and crises are raging in many countries, the Union must take immediate action in order for peace to be restored, further humanitarian crises to be prevented and any potential large-scale migration flows to be controlled. As a Mediterranean country and a country of first entry, Greece has an active interest in this matter.
With regard to Syria, we must insist on the self-evident demand for an inclusive political transition, which will ensure the representation of all ethnic and religious communities in the country, without exclusions, while also upholding the need for accountability of all those responsible for acts of violence against Christians, Druze, and Alawites.
Regarding the Western Balkans, as we discussed with Ms. Kallas, it is a region historically characterized by nationalism and conflict. We, as Europeans, must act and send a strong political message of a European perspective, accelerating the accession process wherever conditions are mature.
Of course, this cannot be achieved without alignment on foreign affairs and security policy issues, as Ms. Kallas herself rightly pointed out on the occasion of the announcement of the 2025 Enlargement Package.
Likewise, every candidate country must respect the European acquis, International Law, the principles of democracy and good neighborliness.
Dear Kaya,
We discussed that what is needed is not mere reaction, but also action on the issues that concern us. The vision of the Union's strategic autonomy is of great importance, and equally important are the national interests of member states, which call for a strong Europe free from external dependencies. Europe's common foreign policy and defensive resilience are existential issues that cannot be delayed or compromised. Greece will remain steadfast in this position.
The ultimate goal is the geopolitical union, which will promote and safeguard freedom, democracy and a geopolitical reality grounded on the international legal order.
With these thoughts, I welcome you to Athens and thank you for your valuable services and our excellent cooperation.
November 6, 2025