The Prime Minister at the UN Security Council for sea security
“I am pledge that Greece will remain a guardian of free navigation in cooperation with all United Nations countries and will work together for this very important, crucial purpose,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed in his speech in the discussion of a high level of security at the Hellenic Security Council.
During the UN Security Council’s open debate, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlighted the strategic importance of maritime security and confirmed Greece’s commitment to international cooperation to promote global stability. Starting his position, Kyriakos Mitsotakis thanked the participants and praised the United Nations as “the right forum for this discussion”, recognizing their role as “the guardian of the International Convention on the Law of the Sea”.
“We are increasingly facing asymmetric maritime threats, such as smuggling, terrorism, piracy, as well as hybrid attacks affecting both ships and ports. At the same time, rising sea levels and extreme weather conditions can disrupt port procedures and sea routes, ”the prime minister said.
Underlining the global nature of the threats, Mr Mitsotakis noted that “more than 80% of the volume of world trade is transferred by sea”, stressing that sea security supports “political stability, economic stability – including prices’ stability. Threats, he said, include “smuggling, terrorism, piracy and hybrid attacks”, as well as environmental challenges.
“Global problems require worldwide solutions and threats against maritime safety are no exception. We can only deal with them through effective international cooperation – at a transnational level, through international organizations and in the private sector, ”the prime minister stressed while presented six key priorities:
1. Awareness and technology: He emphasized the need to enhance the understanding of the marine sector and the adoption of new technologies such as “artificial intelligence, provided that the risks it involves.”
2. Fighting illegal practices: warned of “fraudulent activities on ship registration, non -reliable ships, sanctions violations, but also phenomena such as” shadow fleets “” stressing that “Greece does not demonstrate any tolerance”.
3. Developing abilities: Referring to the crisis in the Red Sea, he noted the “characteristic case of a serious threat that can reasonably lead to an increase in prices of basic goods”, calling for “collective action”. He recalled Greece’s participation in the EU’s “shields”, “Atalanta” and “Peace”. Emphasis placed “cyber security, port durability and electrical interconnection through submarine cables”, noting that this should be “non -negotiable”.
4. Strengthening Legal Framework: The UNCLOS Convention said it is “the basis of global governance at sea” and must “become universally respected”. He supported the strengthening of the role of IMO and better coordination of the UN bodies.
5. Environmental dimension: The prime minister linked “climate change and environmental degradation” with the strengthening of marine threats. The rescue of the Sounion tanker in the Red Sea “prevented a great environmental and humanitarian disaster”.
6. Navy Protection: With 2 million sailors to ensure trade flow, he reminded the naval saying “without them, the half world would froze and the other half would starve”, demanding better education and protection.
In closing, Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed that sea security “is inextricably linked to the fundamental values of the free world” and that “no one can enjoy the freedom of the seas […] Without the prerequisite of security. “
As a “naval nation with the largest commercial fleet in the world”, Greece, she said, is committed to remaining a “guardian of the freedom of navigation” in cooperation with all UN Member States.
“Greece has the largest commercial fleet in the world. It is a naval nation with deep history, thousands of islands, one of the largest coastlines on the planet and is a crossroads of commerce, connecting and supporting the supply chain of many third countries. Greece, which I have the honor of representing, will remain a guardian of the freedom of navigation, together with all the United Nations Member States who will work together for this crucial purpose during our term of office at the Security Council and beyond. ” Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized.
On Sunday Mitsotakis are accompanied by Mareva Grabowski-Mitsotakis’ wife, his son Constantine, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Greece’s permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris.
The Prime Minister will then meet with UN Secretary -General Antonio Guterres.