The consolidation of stability in Syria after the collapse of the Assad regime is in the interest of all parties involved, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during the press conference late on Thursday in Brussels after the end of the European Union Summit.

The prime minister described Greece’s important role in Syria, stating that Greece is de facto playing the role of spiritual protector of the Greek Orthodox, whose security is a primary concern for Athens.

Responding to Turkiye’s involvement in Syria, Mitsotakis stressed that it is too early to draw safe conclusions about its role and its future implications for Syria. “Everyone should be interested in ensuring the territorial integrity of Syria and the protection of religious minorities in the country,” Mitsotakis noted.

He explained that himself and the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, briefed European partners about the risks that could arise for the stability of the wider region from any attempt by Turkiye to delimit an Exclusive Economic Zone with the new regime in Syria, clearly reiterating that the Turkish-Libyan memorandum is illegal.

Regarding migration, he spoke of voluntary returns to Syria, stressing, however, the need to ensure that those who wish to return to the country will have their basic needs covered.

In response to a question about Ukraine, Mitsotakis stressed that the European Union reaffirmed its will for multi-level support for Ukraine, in order to prevent Kiev from finding itself in a position of weakness when the peace talks begin.

Regarding the established Greek position on increasing resources towards common European defense, the prime minister, after announcing that an informal Summit will be held in early February on Belgian territory at the initiative of Greece with the exclusive topic of European defense on the agenda, he spoke of the need for a geopolitical and defense awakening of our continent.

Mitsotakis noted that more European resources should be mobilized, as well as the creation of a European defense fund. “It will also send a message to the US that in the European Union we take our responsibilities seriously,” he stated.