Gerapetritis: "We Must Continue to Resolve Issues with Turkey Through Dialogue"
Foreign Minister Yorgos Gerapetritis emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of communication with Türkiye to prevent tensions from escalating into crises, stating, "We must continue to resolve issues through dialogue."
In an interview with SKAI TV, Gerapetritis discussed Greek-Turkish relations and developments in the Middle East. He highlighted that open communication with Turkey has successfully averted crises, reinforcing the need to protect sovereignty while engaging in dialogue.
Gerapetritis also addressed misinformation regarding marine surveys for the Crete-South Cyprus electric cable project. He clarified that the research vessel remained in the area longer than planned, without risking conflict with Türkiye, and emphasized that no permission from Turkey was required for these surveys. "Dialogue channels with Türkiye have always been open and used to de-escalate tensions. Long-term peace will be achieved by correctly delineating the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf," he stated.
Middle East Concerns
Gerapetritis warned that events in the Middle East could have a domino effect, impacting a broader region. He predicted that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and other areas would worsen over time, leading to increased migration flows. Greece's approach to the Middle East developments is based on international law, aiming to minimize the country's damage from these crises. "We are at the most challenging stage since World War II," Gerapetritis remarked.
