Yerapetritis - Shukri meeting in Athens
Egyptian Foreign Minister Samih Shoukry said that Israeli aggression against Palestine is one of the worst humanitarian tragedies and threatens regional security.
Shukri stated that they decided to hold the first meeting of the High Level Cooperation Council between Greece and Egypt in Athens.
Stating that they also discussed the developments in Palestine with Yerapetritis, Shukri said, "We talked about the humanitarian tragedy. It is one of the biggest humanitarian tragedies in our age. It threatens regional security."
Shukri emphasised the need for both a ceasefire and the opening of all corridors for humanitarian aid to reach Palestine.
Underlining that the security of those working in humanitarian corridors should also be ensured, Shukri said, "Entry from Rafah has been stopped because this is now a war zone, and those working for humanitarian aid here are under threat."
Shukri pointed out that the problem is not only limited to what is happening in Gaza, but also that Israel continues its occupation in Palestine, and said:
"The international community should support the two-state solution. It is not enough for them to just call for it. We all know the United Nations (UN) Security Council resolutions. This situation cannot continue. A radical solution must be found."
Shoukri stated that Egypt supports the aid efforts to Gaza in co-operation with the international community despite all the Israeli obstructions and said, "We had warned that there would be serious problems if the bombardment reached Rafah."
Shoukry noted that Egypt is open to rapprochement with all countries, provided there is mutual respect, adding that this new rapprochement will not be at the expense of old strategic friends.
"The hostile behaviour in Rafah will have dramatic consequences and must be stopped at all costs," Yerapetritis said, adding that Greece will strive for a ceasefire in Palestine.
Emphasising that the establishment of a Palestinian state within the 1967 borders is essential for a solution in the region, Yerapetritis said: "The spread of the crisis to the Red Sea and the Middle East directly affects the economy and global trade. It may also lead to new humanitarian crises. Forcing people to migrate directly or indirectly is a collective punishment that international law cannot accept."
CONDOLENCES TO IRAN
Both ministers expressed condolences for Iranian President Ibrahim Reisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian, who died in a helicopter crash yesterday.
"I express my condolences to Iran for the President and our colleague, and I wish patience to the relatives of those who lost their lives," Shukri said.
Yerapetritis said, "On behalf of Greece and the Greek government, I express my condolences to the Iranian government and the Iranian people on the death of the country's President and Foreign Minister."
Photo: @GreeceMFA (X platform)
