Greece aims to become a strategic hub linking Europe and the Gulf region, emphasized Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis in his speech at the annual Manama Dialogue forum in Bahrain.
According to Gerapetritis, Greece’s approach is multidimensional, covering economy, diplomacy, energy, security, and culture, aimed at creating a stable framework of cooperation with all countries in the region.
Defense and Strategic Partnerships
The Greek FM stressed that Greece sees itself as a natural security partner for Gulf states, highlighting collaboration with Saudi Arabia through the deployment of Patriot missile systems and 19 joint initiatives to strengthen military cooperation.
“Greece offers reliable diplomacy based on respect for international law, solid defense cooperation, and shared prosperity as a foundation for peace,” Gerapetritis said, underscoring the importance of mutual trust.
Shipping, Energy, and Regional Connectivity
As a maritime nation, Greece is committed to freedom of navigation and protecting commercial routes. Piraeus and other Greek ports are being upgraded to strengthen the multimodal logistics chain, while the energy mix is rapidly shifting toward renewables, targeting 80% by 2030.
Additionally, interconnection projects such as GREGY (Greece-Egypt) and GSI (Cyprus-Israel-Greece) enhance energy security and promote regional connectivity.
Peace and Stability in the Middle East
Regarding the Gaza crisis, Gerapetritis highlighted the importance of hostage release and the achievement of a Peace Agreement, a critical first step toward the two-state solution and Israel’s regional integration.
“Greece, with historical and cultural ties, will actively contribute to peace processes, reconstruction, and regional integration,” he stated, urging Gulf states to engage fully in security, development, and deradicalization initiatives.
Multilateralism and International Cooperation
Gerapetritis noted that today’s challenges—climate crisis, cyberattacks, food insecurity, migration—transcend borders and cannot be addressed by a single state alone. Multilateralism is in retreat, yet Greece calls for partnerships, shared vision, and solidarity to ensure regional security and prosperity.
With a strategic geographic position, strong diplomatic relations, and maritime and energy capabilities, Greece aims to serve as a bridge of stability, connectivity, and prosperity from the Eastern Mediterranean to the Gulf, promoting peace and sustainable development in a region full of challenges.
Source: pagenews.gr