The Foreign Minister of Greece, George Gerapetritis, said the High Cooperation Council between Greece and Turkey has not been “frozen” and will continue its work in an interview with OT at the Delphi Economic Forum X on Wednesday.
Responding to a question if tensions might rise between the two countries in April due to the cable project, Gerapetritis said, “I understand that when everything is entangled in a geopolitical vortex, the mixture is extremely hot in public opinion. But the dialogue so far has produced significant results,” referring to the notable decrease in migration flows, the zero violations, and the improved bilateral trade.
“There are always tensions. Geography, instead of uniting us, divides us,” he noted, adding, “We face everything with calmness. The cable is a project partially funded by the EU and is in the common interest. Our intention is for the research and laying of the cable to continue as planned.”
He also explained that the project is protected by international law and does not require permission: “This project has very specific characteristics… The entire Mediterranean is filled with cables. The project cannot be obstructed by international law.”
The Greek Foreign Minister mentioned that due to the accumulation of many issues over time, which may cause tensions, it is essential to maintain calmness, find common ground to proceed, and transform geography into a bridge.
Commenting on broader geopolitical challenges, the Foreign Minister stressed that Greece works on hypothetical scenarios, adding that it is important for the Greek government not to let its policy be defined externally.
He made particular reference to the very good relationship with Israel, as well as the historical ties with the Arab world, and highlighted the importance of his visit to the State Department and his meeting with Senator Mark Rubio.
When asked to comment on developments in Cyprus, he stated that the issue is currently in full progress, with the resumption of discussions at the 5+1 level, which until recently seemed unlikely.
He also emphasized that this development is partly the result of the improvement in Greek-Turkish relations.
The Foreign Minister expressed hope for substantial progress in the reunification of the island within the framework of the United Nations Security Council’s resolutions.
Asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs, he stated that no trade war is positive: “It creates concern,” he said, explaining that the tug-of-war of measures and countermeasures creates an extremely complex environment, with negative consequences such as inflation, recession, and increased interest rates.
Asked at the Delphi Economic Forum X about the challenges Greece will face as it assumes the presidency of the Security Council in May, Gerapetritis stressed that it is “a great honor, but also a tremendous responsibility.”
