Ressortchef (umgangssprachlich) of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statements following his meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Mukhtar Tileuberdi (Astana, 05. 12. 2022)

This year we celebrate the 30th anniversary of Greek-Kazakh diplomatic relations and that shows how much we want to move our relations closer. Also, I had the honour to sign with you an Agreement, an MoU among our Diplomatic Academies. And allow me to say that I was also very proud because this marks the 300th bilateral Contract that my government provides concluded, the government of Excellent Minister Mitsotakis. Earlier nowadays, I had the honour to become received by His Excellency President Tokayev, a very popular and distinguished diplomat and others. I had the opportunity to discuss with him about the great potential in our bilateral relations. In 2021 we had the first ever bilateral political and consular consultation services, in Athens. We are looking forward to the next round in Kazakhstan. And only a few weeks ago, in October, Deputy Foreign Minister Frangoyannis, led the Greek delegation here in Astana, for the 5th Greek-Kazakh Joint Interministerial Panel (JIC). We all talked about our common interest in interconnecting transport infrastructure in the area and we talked about the EU-Kazakhstan relations. Greece will be very happy to facilitate those relations. We agreed that there is ample room for improving our own bilateral trade and economic relations. And we can concentrate on energy, energy efficiency, agriculture, tourism, construction and on industry of products of high added value. All of us also spoke about general issues. I repeated, and I am repeating again, the Greek position that revisionism shall not be tolerated and should not be tolerated by the Global Community in the 21st century. The regard for territorial integrity, with regard to national sovereignty and self-reliance of all states is the cornerstone of a stable and prosperous world. First of all, thank you for your very kind and warm hospitality, instead contrary to the temperature outdoors. I am very happy to be in Astana today. A visit long past due. I am the first-ever Ancient greek Foreign Minister to visit your nation, so I am so very pleased. We discussed the diplomatic attempts for ending the war in Ukraine. We decided they should be pursued further, in full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine. We furthermore talked about our cooperation inside International Organizations. We have a very good cooperation in the UN program and thank you so much for supporting us in our efforts to turn into a non-permanent member of the Security Authorities in 2025-2026. And we accepted the entry into drive and implementation of the Improved Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (E. P. C. A. ) Let me say and acknowledge right here that Kazakhstan is a very dependable energy partner for A holiday in greece and for the whole of the European Union. Greece, located in the crossroads from the Southern gas Corridor via the Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline/TAP, is really a natural entry point for Europe, especially Central and Eastern Europe. Your Excellency, beloved Minister, Greece and Kazakhstan are no strangers. We have a lengthy history of interaction and we possess a solid bridge of a friendly relationship and mutual understanding, plus that’s the presence of 10. 000 Greeks in Kazakhstan and more than 40. 000 Kazakh citizens– mostly of Greek origin in Greece. As being a final note, I will be happy to receive you in Athens. Allow me to ask you to visit us, as quickly as possible. It will be a very happy time for me, to have the pleasure of hosting you as graciously as you did here in Astana. Thank you so much. I would like to thank you and the Kazakh government to get publicly and positively addressing Greece’s request to open 2 Honorary Consulates, in Almaty and in Aktau, two metropolitan areas with an important Greek existence. I touched upon the Cyprus issue, another important international issue which usually needs a solution based on the EL Security Council Resolutions and compatible with the European acquis. My dear colleague, I’ve also explained to you the basic principles of Greek foreign policy.

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