Athens, Greece. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Monday welcomed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to Athens, pointing to Cyprus’ proximity to the Middle East as regional tensions intensify.
Middle East tensions and navigation concerns
Mitsotakis said Wadephul was arriving “at a time of great turmoil” and that Greece, “along with Cyprus,” is the country closest to developments in the Middle East. He said Greece has a strong interest in a peaceful resolution, particularly regarding freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said Greece’s interest is linked to its role “not only as a European country, but also as a leading maritime country.” Mitsotakis added that it is imperative that “no precedent be set, not only in the region, but also globally,” and said he was interested in hearing Wadephul’s views on next steps.
Greece’s regional role and diplomacy
Mitsotakis said Greece maintains “constructive relations with all the countries in the region,” describing the country as a reliable “bridge builder.” He added that “ensuring that we get to a point where diplomacy takes precedence” is a shared priority for Greece and Germany.
EU presidency and defence exhibition
Wadephul said that with Greece set to hold the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency in the second half of next year, efforts should be intensified so the European Union can address threats and challenges it faces.
Tuesday’s Defence Exhibition Athens will also be attended by President Nikos Christodoulides, who was to travel to Athens from Monday’s European Political Community summit in Yerevan. He is expected to meet Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and European Defence Commissioner Andreas Kubilius.
What do you think are the most urgent steps needed to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz?
