Honorable Mr. President, dear Volodymyr, it is my pleasure to welcome you back to Athens. I would like to begin by expressing my deep dismay at the intensification of Russian attacks on non-military infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties.
We stand with the Ukrainian people and, as you know, Greece has been on Ukraine’s side from the outset against the Russian invasion of its territory. It sided with the defender against a bloody operation that violates every notion of sovereignty and legitimacy and actively participated in supporting your people, together with the entire Western world.
This is a principled stance, which stems from our absolute respect for the Charter of the United Nations and international law, but is also consistent with our belief that the use of armed force for aggressive purposes cannot be tolerated.
For Greece, the inviolability of borders is non-negotiable, and any illegal act will always find us on the opposite side. I say this knowing how important it is for a nation, as the wound of Cyprus, the invasion, and the illegal occupation of the north of the island remain open for us, 51 years later, to this day.
It is therefore only natural that we should be in favor of an unconditional cessation of hostilities and that we should demand justice for your struggle for a fair peace. And we continue to strengthen, to the extent of our capabilities, the courageous resistance of the Ukrainian people, to support them in all forums, such as, in particular, the Security Council, of which Greece is currently a non-permanent member, the institutions of the European Union and, of course, in the procedures of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Rest assured, Mr. President, dear Volodymyr, that you have a steadfast ally in Athens. We have proven this, by implementing all European sanctions against Moscow, despite their significant economic cost, and by supporting Ukraine’s European course, a complex and demanding process in which we are nevertheless ready to assist.
Dear Volodymyr, relations between our countries are now also taking on a new critical dimension, that of the new, secure energy artery stretching from south to north, from Greece to Ukraine. This is being achieved through the vertical energy corridor currently under development and the Alexandroupolis-Odessa corridor.
This gives Ukraine direct access to diversified and reliable energy sources, while Greece becomes a hub for supplying Central and Eastern Europe with American liquefied natural gas.
It is a decisive contribution to energy stability, resilience, and security, not only in our region but also in yours. This is a project that is now becoming a reality, following the systematic efforts of the Greek government, and is made possible thanks to Greece’s geographical location, infrastructure, and strategic partnerships.
Mainly those concluded in Athens, within the framework of the very important Ministerial Meeting of the Partnership for Transatlantic Energy Cooperation, just last week, stating that our country is now internationally recognized as a point of reference in the wider region. But also from the declaration of intent for the natural gas sales agreement signed a short while ago, in our presence, by DEPA and NAFTOGAZ, to meet your immediate needs so that you can face the challenges of a difficult winter. And this agreement, of course, follows on from and implements last week’s agreements to secure and supply American natural gas.
We are essentially talking about the immediate – I repeat, immediate – activation of the Vertical Corridor connecting Greece with Ukraine.
At the same time, I would also like to mention the agreement signed by GEK TERNA with UKRHYDROENERGO, which marks the additional implementation of a pumped storage project that will stabilize Ukraine’s energy network.
Greece, to put it simply, is becoming a provider of energy security for your country.
Undoubtedly, these are all catalytic developments on the road to definitive independence from Russian natural gas, because Europe will stop buying Russian natural gas, which will no longer be able to enter our continent “in disguise.”
With our country playing a leading role in regional initiatives with this goal in mind, spearheaded by Alexandroupolis, the key point through which, moreover, allied and humanitarian aid to Ukraine is already passing.
President Zelenskyy and I also discussed ways to further support Ukraine, always in cooperation with our partners, as well as the further prospects for our bilateral cooperation.
One of the most important regards our contribution to the post-war reconstruction of Ukraine, with Greek companies that have the know-how and experience to make a decisive contribution to this titanic effort to rebuild your country, so that the wounds of war can be healed as quickly as possible.
We will be present both in the construction sector, through partnerships between public and private entities, and in the fields of digitization, health, and the protection of cultural monuments.
Allow me to reiterate our particular interest in Odessa – I have visited it twice, dear Volodymyr – it is a symbolic city with historical and cultural ties to Greece, it is also a city that inspires Ukrainians, it is a bridge between the Black Sea, Central Europe, and the Mediterranean, but also a city that connects Greece and Ukraine.
I would say that it is a natural continuation of the history that has connected our peoples over time. Greeks lived for centuries on the shores of the Black Sea, prospered and contributed there. Our relations, therefore, have very strong roots. Today, they are being strengthened and developed, and will certainly be strengthened even further once the current chapter has been closed.
Dear Volodymyr, the women and men of Ukraine have been fighting for their freedom with unparalleled courage for almost four years, earning our respect and admiration every day, teaching us lessons in courage and resilience, and inspiring every democratic citizen across Europe. Let them know that Greece stands with them and will continue to do so.
I would like to conclude by expressing my satisfaction with the excellent level of cooperation between our countries, which we have today confirmed in the prospect of mutual alignment, politically, economically, and – particularly importantly – in terms of energy.
I would like to thank you very much for our productive and meaningful meeting. Once again, welcome to Athens.
