Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statements following his meeting with SICA Secretary General, Werner Vargas (Athens, 24.02.2023)

During our discussions earlier, we had the opportunity to talk about issues on which we can develop a wide range of cooperation. At the same time, it reflects the ties that our country has forged with the countries of Central America. And I’d like to warmly thank you and the participants of the Summit for the unanimous decision to support the Hellenic Republic’s request.Overall, Greece strengthens its relations with countries that serve and protect the global principles and values that we also embrace: respect for the UN Charter, application of International Law and the Law of the Sea, as well as protection of Human Rights.I’d like to thank you warmly for your presence in Athens today, and the important exchange of views we had. Allow me to express the hope that we will talk again soon.In recent years, Greece’s foreign policy has developed a multidimensional nexus of relations that is not confined to narrow geographical contexts and horizons. We have enhanced our bilateral relations in regions that seemed very distant just a few years ago, such as Africa, Asia, Central and South America. Our substantial and active interest in a region and the states that are part of it, is therefore, no longer affected by the number of kilometers that may separate us. This is the message to all the interlocutors during my recent tour of six Latin American, Central American, and Caribbean countries.As you are aware, Panama, a SICA country, will host the 8th “Our Ocean” Conference in a few days, and Greece, of course, will be present there. So, there’s huge scope for cooperation in investment and trade, as well as in the protection of our shared values.We also had the opportunity to emphasize another major challenge humanity faces, and that is climate change and the protection of the environment, which are areas among SICA’s priorities. Greece’s hosting of the 9th “Our Ocean” Conference, in 2024, will highlight our common effort and cooperation on all issues relating to oceans and seas. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Athens, as your visit today is an important occasion for us, given that we have just signed the Agreement on the participation of Greece with observer status in the Regional Organization “Central American Integration System”, known as SICA.I also had the opportunity to emphasize the role that Greece, as an EU member state, plays in the relations between the European Union and the Central American countries. And we wish to enhance these relations even further.  Therefore, upgrading our relationship with SICA, an organization with a historic contribution to regional reconciliation and integration initiatives, is a choice for us that is very easy to explain.The relevant decision was taken at the Summit of Heads of State and Government of the SICA countries in December 2022. And it highlights, we believe, Greece’s enhanced role in the region in recent years.After all, in addition to traditionally friendly relations with the Central American states, there is also a historical link that is perhaps not easily traceable. Both we and the Central American states, at around the same period of time, waged struggles, liberation struggles, against empires, inspired by exactly the same ideals.Secretary General,Once more, thank you very much for your presence here today. Welcome.Secretary General, In fact, we expect positive developments soon regarding our request for the accreditation of a Greek Ambassador to the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.Our decision to strengthen our presence is highlighted by the establishment of a new Embassy in Panama, as I had the opportunity to inform you earlier. The potential is enormous; the area covered by SICA is rich in biodiversity; it serves as a bridge between North and South America, and the Panama Canal connects two oceans. And it is widely known how important Greek merchant shipping is to us.Honorable Secretary General, welcome.

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