Minister of Foreign Affairs George Gerapetritis’ interview with the “National Herald” newspaper and journalist Demetris Vohaitis (19.09.2026)

JOURNALIST: Greece assumes the presidency of the UN Security Council in October at a time when wars are multiplying, while the veto often leaves the Organization paralyzed. What specific initiative will Athens undertake, which countries have already committed to supporting it, and what measurable result do you expect by the end of the Greek presidency?

G. GERAPETRITIS: In an exceptionally unstable and rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, where the logic of power often seeks to replace the power of rules, Greece remains firmly committed to International Law, the Charter of the United Nations, and effective multilateralism.

Greece's presidency of the Security Council in October - for the second time during our current term as a non-permanent member of the body - comes at a particularly critical moment. Among other things, our presidency will coincide with a crucial phase in the process of selecting the new UN Secretary-General, while the Council will be called upon to address major regional crises and make decisions on important issues.

Our objective is specific: to use the presidency to strengthen consultation and the peaceful resolution of disputes, broaden consensus, and, wherever possible, produce concrete results on issues that currently divide the Council. Greece has the advantage of maintaining open channels and relationships of trust with countries from different geographical and political groups, and it aspires to serve as a bridge between North and South, East and West.

We are already working systematically with the other states participating in the Security Council in order to achieve broader areas of convergence. And our measure of success will be tangible: whether, by the end of the month, we have contributed to the adoption of decisions by consensus, to bridging differences within the Council, and to a process for selecting a new Secretary-General that strengthens the credibility and effectiveness of the Organization.

JOURNALIST: This year's General Assembly once again raises the issue of reforming a Security Council that continues to reflect the balance of power of 1945. Will Greece specifically support expanding permanent representation, including for India, as well as restrictions on the use of the veto in cases involving mass violations of international law?

G. GERAPETRITIS: The discussion regarding the need to reform the UN has been underway for some time. However difficult and complex this discussion may prove to be, it is absolutely necessary if the Organization is to rise to the occasion, effectively address contemporary challenges, and keep international multilateralism alive. Greece supports the UN80 initiative to reform the decision-making process at the United Nations.

In this context, the need to reform the Security Council is now evident. Its current composition does not adequately reflect the world of the 21st century. Certain geographical regions are underrepresented, while shifts in the global balance of power make a fairer and more representative international security architecture necessary. Moreover, the decision-making process involving the right of veto has, in many cases, become an instrument of abuse that hinders the adoption of critical decisions, even the most self-evident ones.

Greece is entirely open to reforming the decision-making process, as well as expanding the composition of the Security Council, both in the category of permanent members and that of non-permanent members.

Particular priority should be given to restoring proportional representation for Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean. With regard specifically to India, our position is clear: Greece supports its permanent representation on the Security Council. We cannot discuss a representative international order without taking into account India's particular weight in demographic, economic, and geopolitical terms.

Our position on the right of veto is equally clear. The veto should be exercised with restraint and only exceptionally, and its exercise carries a particular responsibility for the state invoking it. This is especially true in cases concerning the protection of people or involving crimes against humanity and war crimes.

JOURNALIST: Your presence in New York for the UN General Assembly includes a series of contacts and meetings at a particularly fluid moment internationally. What is the main message Greece wants to convey to its partners and allies, and what specific issues do you seek to advance through your meetings at the UN?

G. GERAPETRITIS: The principal message Greece is bringing to New York is one of consistency, credibility, and international standing. In an international environment marked by great instability and uncertainty, our country remains firmly committed to dialogue, diplomacy, International Law, and the Charter of the United Nations. These are the principles that have also defined our tenure on the Security Council, and it is upon them that we build our relationships and develop joint initiatives with partners and interlocutors from every geographical region.

Safeguarding multilateralism, together with the reforms required by changing times and circumstances, as well as protecting international legality as the fundamental institutional framework for advancing peace and the prosperity of peoples, lie at the core of our international policy.

First and foremost among the issues I will address in my meetings will be the Cyprus issue, which remains a steadfast national priority. Our objective is to maintain the current momentum under the auspices of the Secretary-General and create the conditions for a meaningful resumption of talks within the agreed United Nations framework.

At the same time, we will discuss the major crises currently testing international security - from Ukraine and the Middle East to developments in our broader neighborhood - with the consistent objectives of de-escalation, protecting civilians, and returning to diplomacy.

Finally, these meetings are particularly important ahead of Greece's presidency of the Security Council. We want to use our position so that Greece can serve as a bridge for understanding and as a reliable partner.

JOURNALIST: Greek-Turkish relations remain in a phase of dialogue, but at the same time Ankara continues to raise issues such as the demilitarization of the islands and other longstanding claims. What message will the Greek side convey in New York regarding the Aegean and the Eastern Mediterranean, and is there room for substantive progress in the period ahead?

G. GERAPETRITIS: Greece's position is absolutely clear and longstanding. The delimitation of the continental shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone is the one and only dispute between Greece and Turkey that may be brought before international jurisdiction. Claims concerning matters of Greek sovereignty, such as the so-called 'gray zones' or the demilitarization of islands, are arbitrary, unfounded, and are not matters for discussion. This position is grounded in International Law and does not change according to circumstances.

The message we are also conveying in New York is that Greece seeks stability, peace, and good-neighborly relations in the Eastern Mediterranean, without, however, making any concessions on matters of sovereignty and sovereign rights. The strengthening of our country's international and diplomatic standing allows us to engage in dialogue with confidence and with steadfast adherence to our principles, while putting forward our arguments.

It is a fact that recently there has been an escalation on the Turkish side, among other things in reaction to initiatives undertaken by Greece to defend its rights and interests. Our country has invested in strengthening its alliances and strategic partnerships and has regained real power, grounded in its defense capabilities, its economic recovery, and its international standing.

I believe that dialogue with Turkey should continue. At present, the conditions do not yet exist for a substantive discussion on delimitation to begin. Greece will continue to pursue peace and good-neighborly relations, always guided by the universal application of international legality.

JOURNALIST: Your presence at the enthronement of the new Archbishop of Canada carries particular symbolism for Hellenism in the country. Beyond the symbolism, however, what specifically can the Greek Diaspora expect from the Greek state in terms of strengthening consular services, education, culture, and closer cooperation with Diaspora institutions?

G. GERAPETRITIS: It is a particular joy and honor to be in Canada at such an important moment for Hellenism in the Diaspora. I am certain that the ministry of His Eminence Archbishop-elect Apostolos of Canada will be enlightened and creative, for the benefit of the Church and the Diaspora, under the protection and guidance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Holy and Sacred Synod, and His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Allow me, through the platform you have offered me, to extend my heartfelt wishes to the new Archbishop: "Many years, Your Eminence."

A new chapter is indeed beginning for Hellenism in Canada. And the Greek state will stand by its side with a specific plan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Strategic Plan for Greeks Abroad 2024-2027 is already being fully implemented, with a series of initiatives aimed at resolving practical problems and better serving Greeks abroad; strengthening the Greek language, history, tradition, and culture; fostering closer cooperation with Diaspora institutions; and, in particular, strengthening the relationship between the younger generation and the homeland.

Through the digitization of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' consular services - a project that has already been implemented to a large extent, including through the use of Artificial Intelligence - everyday communication and the handling of matters concerning members of our Diaspora are now becoming easier, faster, and, in many cases, possible remotely. This represents a fundamental reorganization of the services provided to Hellenism abroad, with the goal of truly bringing the homeland closer to them.

At the same time, we support Greek-language learning, Greek-language education, and connections with Greek culture, while seeking to establish a stable and reciprocal relationship with organizations, the Church, educational and academic institutions, and other Diaspora bodies. Our ambition is clear: Greece should not simply be the country of origin for Greeks abroad, but a homeland that is continuously present and accessible in their daily lives.

JOURNALIST: What message would you like to send to the new Archbishop, and what do you believe Hellenism in Canada needs most today from its new ecclesiastical leadership?

G. GERAPETRITIS: I would like to reiterate my warmest wishes to the new Archbishop. The Greek government looks forward to close and constructive cooperation with the Archdiocese, always placing the Diaspora and its needs at the center.

Hellenism in Canada today is a mature, dynamic, and multigenerational community. The great challenge is to preserve its unity, transmit its language, historical memory, and cultural identity to younger generations, and, at the same time, remain open and creative within contemporary Canadian society. The Church has traditionally held a particularly important place and role in this effort, serving as a point of reference and cohesion, as a bridge between generations, and as a place where Greek tradition and the Orthodox faith meet the needs of a modern Diaspora.

I am certain that the new Archbishop possesses the experience, prudence, and knowledge of the Diaspora necessary to successfully carry out this mission. The Greek state and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will remain steadfastly at his side, always with respect for the distinct roles of Church and State.

JOURNALIST: The Greek Diaspora in Canada is now multigenerational, deeply integrated into Canadian society, and quite different from the first generations of immigrants. How is the Greek state adapting its policies to this new reality and, above all, how is it seeking to keep younger generations connected to Greece?

G. GERAPETRITIS: Indeed, Hellenism abroad is changing and evolving. And with it, the relationship of the younger generation of the Diaspora with Greece is also changing. We cannot take for granted that a third- or fourth-generation young person will have the same relationship with the homeland that their parents or grandparents had.

Our policy must adapt to these new realities. This is precisely what we are seeking to accomplish through the Strategic Plan: to build a modern and reciprocal relationship with young people of the Diaspora, one based not only on ancestry and memory, but also on their needs and on genuine opportunities for communication, participation, and cooperation with Greece today.

We are therefore creating networks of young members of the Diaspora, strengthening their connection with the Greek language and culture, and developing hosting, educational, and exchange programs. At the same time, we are working with the Church, local Diaspora organizations, academic institutions, Greek schools, and the business community, creating multiple channels of connection and communication with Greece.

We have already organized three Greek Diaspora Youth Conferences at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, bringing together young members of the Diaspora from every corner of the world. They serve as 'Youth Ambassadors', as ambassadors of Greek culture, while forming new networks of young people worldwide. Our overarching objective is for the relationship between young people of the Diaspora and Greece not to be merely emotional or inherited. It should be a living relationship based on choice, participation, and genuine interest in the country.

JOURNALIST: The ability of Greeks abroad to participate in elections has now been significantly expanded, while the way has also been opened for postal voting in national elections and for distinct parliamentary representation of Hellenism abroad. Do you believe these changes resolve a longstanding issue for the Diaspora, or are further steps still needed to ensure that Greeks abroad have truly equal and meaningful participation in the country's political life?

G. GERAPETRITIS: Undoubtedly, very important steps have been taken. The removal of restrictions on voting by Greeks abroad resolved a longstanding institutional issue by eliminating practical obstacles that unjustifiably hindered the exercise of a fundamental political right.

Initiatives to establish postal voting in national elections and strengthen the parliamentary representation of Hellenism abroad are moving in the same direction. I do not believe, however, that these institutional changes exhaust our efforts. Meaningful participation by Greeks abroad is not limited to election day. It requires stable channels of communication with the state so that their particular needs and views are heard and taken into account.

Hellenism is one and indivisible, and the state must ensure that geographical distance does not become institutional distance. That is why we will continue working toward the meaningful and equal participation of Greeks of the Diaspora in the country's political and public life.

JOURNALIST: What role does Greek foreign policy envision for Hellenism abroad over the next ten or twenty years? Do we simply want the Diaspora to maintain ties with the homeland, or should it have a more substantive and institutional role in Greece's international presence and influence?

G. GERAPETRITIS: Our ambition for Hellenism abroad is not limited to maintaining an emotional bond with Greece. That bond is invaluable, but over the coming decades we need to build upon it an even more modern and substantive relationship.

The Greek Diaspora possesses exceptionally important human capital - in science, entrepreneurship, culture, technology, and the public life of the countries in which its members are active. Greece must develop the institutions and networks that allow this potential to become more closely connected with the country and, where members of the Diaspora wish to do so, to contribute to its economic, social, and international presence.

Over the long term, we would like Hellenism abroad to acquire a more established role in Greece's international presence, with full respect for the autonomy and distinct character of the Diaspora communities themselves.

September 20, 2026