I welcome the Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Our joy today is even greater considering that the historic juncture we are experiencing allows us to be cautiously optimistic for the first time in recent years.
We meet just one day after the “Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit” and the historic peace Agreement for Gaza.
The Agreement itself is tangible proof of the power of diplomacy.
The implementation of the first phase of US President Donald Trump's Peace Plan is crucial.
The achievement of a ceasefire to stop the bloodshed, the release of hostages, and the massive provision of humanitarian aid constitute a decisive first step toward a comprehensive settlement and the launch of a political process aimed at a two-state solution, based on the relevant UN Resolutions, as the only viable path to consolidate peace in the region.
Of course, full implementation of the Plan is imperative.
We live in historic days. The guns fell silent in Gaza but the road ahead is long. We should not overlook the constant challenges and the potential risk of reigniting conflict in the West Bank. We should maintain our focus on the activation of the second phase of the Peace Plan, which will establish sustainable peace and prosperity in the region.
At the same time, the full participation of the Palestinians and the Palestinian Authority is required in all aspects of the Plan's implementation, in security, humanitarian aid and the region’s reconstruction.
Greece, with traditionally strong ties to the Arab world, has stood by the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people.
We have consistently supported the financial strengthening of the Palestinian Authority within the framework of the European Union and we advocate for the reconstruction and reform of Palestinian institutions.
The EU’s support and the substantive strengthening of institutions are necessary conditions for the Peace Plan’s successful implementation and the promotion of a political process in the Middle East.
Yesterday, Greece was present at the historic “Sharm El-Sheikh Peace Summit”, attended by the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas. I had the great honor to accompany the Prime Minister and experience firsthand both the anxiety and the hope of the Palestinian people.
Greece aspires to play an active role in the next day for Gaza and the Middle East and we are ready to substantively contribute to its implementation, always on the basis of International Law and the UN Security Council’s Resolutions.
Firstly, through the large-scale provision of humanitarian aid to relieve the civilian population. Greece has already provided humanitarian aid in multiple ways and is participating in all initiatives. The achievement of a ceasefire offers us the opportunity to do more in the field of humanitarian aid, in cooperation with our partners.
Second, the stabilization of Gaza is key to solidifying security conditions and enabling the return of the Palestinian Authority to Gaza as fast as possible.
Our country, a partner and friend to all states in the region, is a consistent and sincere interlocutor. Our contribution will be crucial and significant.
Third, regarding reconstruction, we intend to mobilize the private sector in our country. Our goal is for development to directly and substantially improve the lives of the Palestinian people.
Dear Minister, this year, on February 3, when we met in Ramallah, there was not much room for optimism. On the contrary, today is a day of joy for the Middle East.
I reassure you, Greece will continue from every position - as an EU member state, as a member of the UN Security Council, as well as bilaterally - to actively support every initiative that promotes a just and viable solution to the Middle East issue and peace in the broader region. With the launch of the first phase of the political solution, Greece is already one step closer to its declared position on the recognition of the State of Palestine.
Dear Minister, with these thoughts in mind, I welcome you and your delegation to Athens, wishing that each time we meet, conditions will have further improved for the Palestinian people.
October 14, 2025