The first High-Level Summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council takes place at an extremely critical juncture.
Greece is located at the southeastern edge of Europe and obviously has every desire to further deepen relations between the European Union and the Gulf countries. Moreover, on a bilateral level, it has excellent relations with all six states that make up the Cooperation Council.
But it is very important that we further deepen relations at the level of the European Union, especially at a time when our cooperation is increasingly indispensable, as the wider Middle East is in danger of a military conflagration.
It is very important at this time to reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, so that this unthinkable humanitarian disaster does not continue, and to intensify our pressure so that southern Lebanon does not turn into a new Gaza, within the framework of Israel’s legitimate right to be able to defend itself against Iranian attacks.
However, at the moment what is required, first and foremost, is restraint, so that we can give time to bring back to the table the only political solution that can address the structural problem of the Middle East, which is none other than the creation of two states that can coexist in peace, so that we can address at its root the structural problem that is leading this region into a state of certain conflagration.
Journalist: What are your expectations for today?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: This is, as you know, the first Summit between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council. It happens at a very crucial time when we are faced with increased tensions in the Middle East. I think it is important to establish this dialogue at the highest possible level, in order to join our voices in the call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in order to ensure that this conflict does not completely spiral out of control.
Of course, there are also other topics that we will discuss in terms of our cooperation as far as the economy is concerned. There are lots of things we can do together as far as energy is concerned. And, of course, the Middle East is a crucial component of the IMEC corridor that connects the European Union to India.
I expect a very fruitful and substantive discussion. Greece is a country that is, of course, very close to the Gulf. We have excellent bilateral relations with all six countries, but I think it is important in this context to establish a more institutional dialogue between the European Union and the six Gulf countries.
