Ladies and gentlemen,
I am particularly happy as this is the second consecutive time that I have the pleasure to address your conference.
As a graduate of LSE myself, I believe that the initiatives you undertake contribute to a better understanding, on the part of the academic community, of issues of Greek interest.
In addition, you serve as a bridge of interaction and strengthening relations between young scientists from the United Kingdom and Greece. I congratulate you on your highly successful contribution.
It has been almost 12 months since I last had the pleasure of addressing you.
Greece and the international community continue to face more or less the same challenges, albeit with varying intensity on several occasions. As, for instance, the need to address the pandemic and its complex consequences; the effort for a gradual return to economic normalcy; the exploration of ways to combat climate change; the resurgence of tensions and the emergence of sources of possible armed conflicts.
In this climate of uncertainty and constant change, Greek foreign policy did not remain inactive, just a mere observer of developments. It expanded its scope for action and further strengthened its alliances and partnerships both in its immediate neighbourhood, in Europe, the Middle East, and the Balkans; as in the rest of the world, building relations with new partners, in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Always on the basis of fundamental principles, such as International Law and especially the Law of the Sea; promoting simultaneously the principles of the United Nations Charter, beginning with the prohibition of the threat or use of force.
Unfortunately, however, a country in our immediate neighbourhood continues to ignore these fundamental rules.
Nevertheless, Greece, despite the immediate challenges it faces, will continue to play its stabilizing role and constitute a factor of security, a credible ally and partner, implementing a foreign policy always based on the Principles of International Law.
To this extent, we are also promoting our candidacy for the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term. And everyone’s contribution to this effort is most welcome.
I hope that next time conditions will give us the opportunity to exchange our views in person.
I wish you every success.
