Statements by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis were made after his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Slovenia, Tania Fayion In Ljubljana during which the issue of European defense was discussed.
Referring to this issue, Mr Gerapetritis expressed the support of Athens in the EU plan for Europe’s defense reinforcement, however, stressing Athens concern about the possible transfer of funds from cohesion funds.
“As for the EU’s defense autonomy, this is an initiative that has been implemented after intense efforts for the last three years. It is important for Europe to become autonomous and self -sufficient. It is important not only for the power of the Member States, but also for the well -being of European peoples. On the other hand, I have to express my concern about the possible transfer of funds from the cohesion sector. ” said Mr. Gerapetritis and added: “I think cohesion is a key factor in Europe. It is the heart of “social” Europe. We cannot have many concessions in this area. We all recognize how important it is to develop the capabilities of the EU’s defense mechanism. But, on the other hand, this cannot be at the expense of spending in the field of social cohesion. We need to find alternative ways of financing this new way of shaping the budget. “
Greece and Slovenia reflect EU voice to the UN Security Council
“Greece and Slovenia are echoed by the EU’s voice to the Security Council and it is especially important to be united at this time,” Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis also underlined in joint statements with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Slovenia Tania.
As he said, both countries are members of the UN Security Council and NATO allies, share common values, principles and challenges and pointed out that Greece is looking forward to further strengthening the coordination of Athens and Ljubljana for the upcoming Greek Presidency in the SAEE in May.
“We have a common perspective for the world,” he said. “In very difficult times, European values are a common sense of principles and we are strongly defending them, keeping and fully implementing international law,” he said.
We managed to rejuvenate talks about Cyprus
Mr Gerapetritis traveled to Slovenia directly from Geneva, where on Monday and Tuesday he participated in the conference with an expanded figure for the Cyprus issue.
“We firmly believe in the importance of continuing the discussions,” he said. “We believe that the framework of the United Nations is the foundation to resolve the Cyprus problem that will lead to the reunification of the island.”
“I am very happy to have been able to revitalize talks on Cyprus. This is probably the best news we have heard after 8 years of immobility and inactivity. “
“We are still far from a solution, which can only be designed within the UN Security Council resolutions for a bi -zonal, bi -communal federation,” he said, but added that it is important that the two sides can discuss.
There are some tangible results that have emerged, as he said: The appointment of a personal envoy, a specific timetable for the next steps, which is extremely important, and especially the next meeting with the enlarged form of the five and a list of positive confidence measures.
“The confidence must be restored so that we can move forward,” the Greek minister noted. “I have a little optimism. Given the adverse conditions around the world, we have a little hope that we could have some good news. And good news could only be reunification. “
Mr Gerapetritis also referred to the need to reinforce bilateral relations with Slovenia in the economy, trade, investment and energy sector.
In tourism, there are several arrivals and Greece is the second favorite destination of the Slovenians, with the Greek minister commenting that “the second best position is not enough, but we will work to reach the top.”
He also emphasized the importance for strengthening cooperation in the context of the three seas initiative. Greece became the 13th member in 2023.
“It is important that the Aegean is becoming a” fourth “sea in the whole project that unites many countries”
“We firmly believe that this southern dimension is important because it serves to bridge the South and the North and expands the prospects of geopolitical interests in the region.”
The Med-9 initiative was also discussed. Since Slovenia is chairing this year, there will be close cooperation. It is important that “there are such regional results when it comes to common challenges and we fully support all the initiatives taken by Slovenia”.
The expansion process within the EU is a rejuvenation process for the EU
One of the priorities of the Slovenian Presidency is EU foreign policy and enlargement.
“We both believe that the EU enlargement process is a rejuvenation process for the EU,” he noted, adding:
“It has been 22 years since the Thessaloniki agenda, which has set the framework for the integration of the Western Balkans. I think we need to take appropriate and strong action to accelerate the process apparently on the basis of the European acquis in the context of the European acquis, international law and the principle of the same performance. But we have to speed up the process. “
“Enlargement is crucial to Europe, we need an inclusive Europe and the greater the Europe, the stronger it becomes,” he said.
“Especially nowadays, where we need to show unity and power. Of course, there are candidates in a pre-romance process and we must completely encourage them. Together with Slovenia we have worked to provide specific incentives and know -how. And we will exhaust every possible means in order to make progress in the expansion process in an essential way in the future. “
To form a mentality of peace and prosperity
“The war in Ukraine and the crisis in the Middle East have shocked the whole world,” he said.
“We have some positive news on both sides, but also some negative ones. The truce seems not to be sufficient. We have to shape a mentality of peace and prosperity »
He pointed out that the conflict in Ukraine must be ended and stressed that Greece supports a fair, overall and lasting peace with full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine.
“The war in Ukraine is not just a war between two states, but it is an existential issue for the whole world.”
In the Middle East, we are deeply shocked by the restart of hostilities in Gaza and the significant number of human losses, he said.
“We call for the truce to be respected. Homer must be released. And the humanitarian aid in Gaza flows unhindered. We work together to ensure that this help comes to those who need it. “
“At a time characterized by uncertainty and unpredictable developments in global issues, the development of relationships, such as ours, is not only significant but makes a real difference.”
T. Fion: Slovenia is dedicated to efforts to resolve the Cyprus problem according to UN resolutions
For its part, the Slovenian Foreign Minister pointed out that the two countries have a similar way of thinking and a common Mediterranean identity. They work on various organizations, including the UN Security Council and EU Med9.
He pointed out that the discussion was in a positive climate and particularly constructive. The Slovenian Presidency will lead to an even closer cooperation.
During the meeting, the two ministers discussed the strengthening of economic cooperation between Athens and Ljubljana, in energy, innovation and science. In terms of tourism, he noted that Greece is the second favorite destination for tourists. The airline from Ljubljana in Athens is a step in the right direction.
Ms. Fayion was still referring to the Cyprus issue and noted that Slovenia was committed to trying to resolve the Cyprus problem according to UN resolutions.
He also pointed out that the meeting discussed joint efforts for peace in Ukraine and stressed “every opportunity for peace is a step in the right direction”.
He also referred to the importance of Europe’s enlargement and noted that Slovenia was closely monitoring developments in Northern Macedonia and Serbia. It is important that the Western Balkans continue on the European road.
He pointed out that we need a stable, peaceful neighborhood and the countries of the Western Balkans on their part must continue the European course.
Regarding the EU’s White Paper on Defense, he pointed out that any transfer of European funds intended for cohesion in defense “can prove problematic”.
We have to do more and faster so that Europe is autonomous, he stressed.
Finally, Ms Fayion expressed her concern about the arrest of the Mayor of Constantinople and emphasized that the rule of law is the key to the EU’s relations with Turkey.
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