The 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly opened on September 10, welcoming leaders from across the world to deliberate on a series of pressing issues for humanity. This year’s High-Level Week (September 23-27) marks a crucial milestone in the global effort to accelerate progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
On September 23, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis attended the Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the UN ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ Group, with the participation of European Union Foreign Ministers and Foreign Ministers of the ‘Western Balkans 6’ partners (also known as the ‘Berlin Process’, which is an initiative to support Western Balkan states to meet the conditions for EU accession).
Enlargement holds a significant position on the EU political agenda, while Greece remains a staunch supporter of the European path of the Western Balkans, provided that necessary reforms are implemented, alignment with the EU acquis is achieved and respect for rule of law, human rights and international law is ensured.
“We all realize that the European perspective depends on respect for International Law, thus ensuring that Europe remains a pillar of stability on the international stage”, Minister Gerapetritis emphasized.
- Furthermore, on September 26, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis participated in a quadrilateral meeting with his Croatian, Romanian and Bulgarian counterparts, Gordan Radman, Luminita Odobescu and Ivan Kondov. The four Southeastern EU member states agreed to consolidate regional economic growth, particularly in the field of energy interconnectivity and bolster Western Balkans’ European perspective through reforms acceleration.
Hellenic Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Western Balkans- European Perspective & FM Gerapetritis addresses the press during the first day of the UN General Assembly High-level Week
Minister Gerapetritis attends the meeting of FMs of the UN ‘Friends of the Western Balkans’ Group
(from left to right) Minister Gerapetritis with his Bulgarian, Romanian and Croatian counterparts