Remarks by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nikos Dendias, at the Euro-Arab World: Strategic Partners Roundtable Discussion (09.11.2020)

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The conditions under which we meet this year are by no means ideal.

Yet the fact that we have gathered even virtually, demonstrates our continued commitment to hold a frank dialogue, which is needed now perhaps more than ever.

I say this because in these difficult times, characterized by a plethora of multi faceted challenges, it is essential that we continue to talk to each other and try to reach common understandings, if not joint responses to them.

The added value of the Euro – Arab Summit, which is now in its fifth year, and going strong, is clearer than ever.

Europe and the Arab world have a long history of interaction and as such it is natural that throughout the course of time we have experienced many highs and lows.

Fortunately, after centuries of exchanges, we are now in a position where our societies, our cultures and our economies are intertwined in more ways than one.

This has allowed us to reinforce our existing strong ties and further enhance our cooperation, based on mutual respect and understanding.

At the same time, we share an adherence to International Law and the fundamental principles of the UN Charter.

I believe this to be a crucial aspect and indeed the solid framework upon which EU-Arab relations have flourished in the modern era.

Amidst the growing challenges we face in our region, multilateralism constitutes a key parameter towards the consolidation of international rules-based order and the prevention of regional tensions.

As a country whose foreign policy is anchored in the respect of International Law and UN/SC Resolutions, Greece has always stressed the need for principled behavior among regional actors.

Our aim is to ensure peace, security and prosperity for all countries and peoples in our common neighborhood.

To this end, Greece continuously demonstrates its commitment to creating a solid framework of cooperation and partnership, with all the countries in the region.

There can be no doubt that the security of our partners is a crucial element of our own security.

The challenges are common and the threats are not always “traditional”. Take for example:

·         international terrorism and violent extremism,

·         transnational organized crime, including the trafficking of human beings and drugs,

·         issues related to border management and maritime security,

·         the need to preserve and protect cultural heritage from environmental degradation and resource scarcity.

Both the EU and the Arab world understand that stability and security are prerequisites for viable and sustainable economic development and prosperity.

On the side of the EU, this has been clearly reflected in its Global Strategy, which aims at contributing to the stabilization of our wider Neighborhood through enhancing the resilience of our partners.

When Greece hosted the 3rd European Union-League of Arab States Summit, in Athens, back in 2014, the Common Declaration identified most of the elements that are also pertinent today.

Our aim is a comprehensive approach to conflicts and crises, through an integrated approach, including early warning and crisis response.

It was then that the decision for the establishment of an EU-League of Arab States Strategic Dialogue was also taken.

Greece has repeatedly underlined the need for all regional partners to work towards a common understanding of the present challenges, while emphasizing the importance of coordinated action in order to address them.

In this spirit, along with Cyprus, we have fostered a network of trilateral schemes of cooperation with many countries in the Eastern Mediterranean.

And this, in order to explore and implement common projects in the fields of energy and economy.

These trilateral schemes contribute significantly to regional stability in the midst of constant provocations by certain actors who wish to impose their agenda unilaterally and by force in our region.

It is precisely in this context that we should keep in mind that prevention is always preferable to having to respond to a crisis.

We have seen too many times the tragic consequences that ensue when we fail to prevent crises.

At the same time we continue to bear witness to the difficulties of overcoming them after the fact.

The Cyprus Question is a striking example.

After 46 years and despite a series of UNSC Resolutions and tireless efforts under the auspices of the UN, the Turkish occupation of almost 40% of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus continues.

The same goes for the crises in Iraq, Syria and Libya.

These conflicts have led to the tragic loss of countless lives and perpetuated the misery of the populations struggling to survive on the ground.

Despite commendable efforts of the International Community to resolve these conflicts, they are still open.

As a result they have sparked other major challenges such as the respective migration waves and the rise of extremism.

I am not here to say that prevention is easy.

It requires vigilance, heightened coordination and a readiness to make brave and timely decisions.

But isn’t reacting to a crisis even more difficult?

This is why the EU should focus its policies on crisis prevention, by contributing to addressing root causes where possible.

The EU aspires to be a reliable security provider, through its Missions and Operations, but also through a wide variety of tools policy and financial instruments that aim at addressing a large scope of challenges.

Ownership”, “respect of sovereignty”, “rejection of foreign intervention in domestic affairs”, “tailor-made solutions”, but also promoting common understanding and effectively tackling intolerance are instrumental.

Of course, these should always go hand-in-hand with the respect for international law and human rights.

Greece stands in a privileged position in shaping, along with our partners and EU institutions, the Union’s policies aiming at contributing to addressing the challenges facing our Arab friends.

Building on its ancient-long interaction with our partners in the Mediterranean, Greece is in a unique position to combine its 40-years of participation in the EU with an in-depth knowledge of the aspirations of the peoples of the Arab countries.

Moreover, maintaining close relations with the Arab world, Greece has been and is always ready to assist in exploring ways out of existing problems or disputes.

Thank you.

Antonis Tsagronis
Antonis Tsagronis
Αντώνης Τσαγκρώνης  Αρχισυντάκτης: Αtticanews.gr  iNews – Newspaper – iRadio - iTV e-mail : editor@atticanews.gr , a.tsagronis@gmail.com AtticaNews Radio:  http://www.atticanews.gr Facebook: @Αντώνης Τσαγκρώνης Facebook: @Atticanews.gr https://www.facebook.com/Atticanewsgr-111129274130/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Antonis%20Tsagronis Twitter: #AtticanewsGr Instagram:Antonis_Tsagronis (διαπιστευμένος δημοσιογράφος στο Προεδρίας της Δημοκρατίας, Υπ. Εξωτερικών, Υπ. Πολιτισμού & Αθλητισμού, Υπ. Παιδείας και Θρησκευμάτων, Υπ. Τουρισμού, Υπ. Υγείας, , Yπ. Εργασίας & Κοινωνικών Υποθέσεων, Υπ. Προστασίας του Πολίτη, Υπ. Μετανάστευσης και Ασύλου)

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