Greece is stepping up its diplomatic efforts at the United Nations General Assembly, with Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis engaging in pivotal discussions on regional security and international cooperation. Key topics include maritime safety and the enhancement of strategic partnerships in the Middle East.
During the Assembly, Gerapetritis emphasized Greece’s trilateral dialogues with Cyprus, Jordan, and Egypt, as well as bilateral meetings with counterparts from India, Brazil, and Eritrea. These interactions are seen as crucial, given the ongoing instability and conflicts in the Middle East, alongside Greece’s ambitions to bolster regional alliances.
In a collaborative effort with India, Greece co-hosted a high-level event focusing on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The discussions centered on the potential applications of these technologies in shipping and maritime security, reflecting both countries’ interest in ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation in international waters.
Gerapetritis also took part in the inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends on Safety and Security of Shipping and Seafarers. Given Greece’s status as a leading global shipping nation, it has underscored the importance of protecting maritime routes to facilitate the uninterrupted movement of goods across the seas.
Looking forward, Greece is set to assume the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in October. This marks the second time during its current two-year term that Greece will lead the council. Gerapetritis noted that this presidency arrives at a critical juncture, with armed conflicts and global crises expected to dominate the Council’s agenda. The period will also coincide with the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General.
Beyond these engagements, Greece’s broader agenda at the General Assembly includes discussions on the ongoing war in Ukraine, developments in Sub-Saharan Africa, UN reform, and enhancing multilateral cooperation. These topics underscore Greece’s commitment to playing a proactive role in international diplomacy and fostering global stability.
