79th UN General Assembly: FM on the situation in the Middle East

Sep 26, 2024 | News and Media

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, the Greek Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis attended the annual Ministerial Working Dinner on the Middle East hosted by the “International Peace Institute”. The dinner drew the participation of foreign ministers and other high-level representatives, including the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland.

The same day, Minister Gerapetritis met with his Bahraini counterpart, H.E. Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani. The two Foreign Ministers urgently called for de-escalation and protection of civilian lives, as well as for freedom of navigation in the Gulf and Red Sea. Moreover, Greece and Bahrain agreed to cooperate closely within the United Nations Security Council as elected members.

The following day (September 24), Minister Gerapetritis met with his Yemeni counterpart, Dr. Shaya Mohsin Zindani. The Greek Foreign Minister expressed concern about the perpetrated attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. He also stressed the paramount importance of maritime security and freedom of navigation for the global economy. In addition, Gerapetritis underscored Greece’s crucial role in the ‘ASPIDES’ operation, the E.U. military response to Houthi engagements with international shipping in the Red Sea, which is named after the Greek word for shields. Finally, the Greek FM emphasized Greece’s support for the efforts of the UN Secretary General’s Special Envoy for Yemen, Hans Grundberg and the resumption of UN-led peace negotiations. The same day, Gerapetritis met also with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib.

During a trilateral meeting between Foreign Ministers of Greece, Cyprus (Konstantinos Kombos) and Egypt (Dr. Badr Abdelatty), Foreign Minister Gerapetritis had the opportunity to emphasize that regional cooperation in the East Mediterranean, through partnerships, especially in sectors such as migration, energy and infrastructure inter-connectivity, will increase the levels of stability in the particular area and the broader region.

On September 25, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis held discussions with the Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit. During the discussion, Gerapetritis conveyed the message that Greece wishes to further intensify the Greek-Arab League dialogue, in view of its mandate at the United Nations Security Council for the 2025/26 term. He further stressed that, as an elected member, Greece will do everything in its power to mitigate the consequences of the humanitarian crisis in the Middle East and work towards the establishment of regional peace and stability, reiterating Greece’s support for a two-state solution.

Following this appointment, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis met with the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Philippe Lazzarini. During their discussion, Gerapetritis expressed his country’s grave concern over the danger of wider conflagration in the Middle East and reiterated the need for immediate ceasefire, release of hostages and protection of civilians. Lastly, he underscored that Greece will continue to support UNRWA’s work and extended his condolences for the loss of UNRWA staff.

On September 26, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis and Deputy Foreign Minister Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou met with the President of the World Jewish Congress, Ronald S. Lauder and the CEO of the American Jewish Committee, Ted Deutch. Discussions involved the situation in the Middle East and the joint efforts to fight against manifestations of antisemitism.
On the same day, Gerapetritis also met with Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi. The Greek Foreign Minister emphasized Jordan’s role as a pillar of stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and commended the country’s initiatives aiming to coordinate international community’s efforts in mitigating the consequences of the humanitarian disaster in Gaza.

Later that day, a trilateral meeting between the Foreign Ministers of Greece, Cyprus and Jordan also took place. During this meeting, Ministers G. Gerapetritis, C. Kombos and A. Safadi shared their concern about the escalating security situation unfolding in the Middle East and explored ways to provide additional humanitarian assistance in the region.

Subsequently, Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis held talks with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. Gerapetritis underpinned the importance of maintaining productive cooperation within international organizations, while the two officials took stock of the latest alarming developments in the Middle East-North Africa region. The Greek Minister highlighted the potential of the EU-Moroccan relationship and invited Minister Bourita to Athens on an official visit.

As an elected member of the United Nation Security Council for 2025-2026, Greece is in close contact with its partners and interlocutors, while remains determined to play an active role in coordinating efforts towards de-escalation, peace, and stability in the Middle East and beyond.