Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, in his statements to public broadcaster ERT, referred to the start of the 80th UN General Assembly, emphasising that Greece’s participation in the Security Council expands its diplomatic footprint and strengthens the country’s international foundations. He said that a series of bilateral meetings with foreign ministers from different continents were held on the sidelines of the assembly.

Gerapetritis noted that Greece is chairing the Conference on Ancient Civilisations, which brings together countries with common interests and great cultural depth.

He also made special reference to Greece’s participation in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, which was co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia. He stressed that Greece has a clear position, as it leads in humanitarian issues, providing aid and hosting children from Gaza, while supporting the Palestinian Authority.

On the issue of recognising a Palestinian state, he pointed out that “this is the solution: the formation of a Palestinian state on the pre-1967 borders.” Gerapetritis added that the issue is timing, with Greece believing that recognition should come at the end of the political process and under the auspices of the UN.