\u201cThe enlargement of the EU<\/b> must regain its momentum and, consequently, its credibility,\u201d stressed <\/b>Foreign Minister, George Gerapetritis<\/b>, in joint statements<\/b> following the meeting<\/b> with his Serbian<\/b> counterpart, Marko \u0110uri\u0107, in Belgrade.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn view of the upcoming Greek Presidency of the Council of the European Union in the second half of 2027<\/b>, we are committed to placing the European integration of the region high on our agenda<\/b> and to working toward achieving tangible progress.\u201d<\/p>\n
In this context, he recalled that the signing of the Delphi Declaration last April \u201cunderscores in the clearest possible terms that the path toward European integration is irreversible\u201d<\/b>.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreece is a steadfast supporter of the European perspective for the Western Balkans, which is based on the principles of conditionality<\/b>, without deviating from the obligation of all parties concerned to respect the European acquis, the principles of the rule of law, international law, and good-neighborly relations,\u201d he noted specifically.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving supported the Thessaloniki Agenda in 2003<\/b>, Greece continues to lead efforts to support European integration, firmly believing that enlargement toward the Western Balkans is a strategic investment<\/b> in peace, security, and stability across the entire European continent,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n
Mr. Gerapetritis <\/b>noted that his visit to Belgrade provides an opportunity to \u201ccontinue our frank and ongoing dialogue with Serbia<\/b>, which attests to the excellent state of our bilateral relations.\u201d But, he added, it also constitutes \u201can important milestone in our efforts to deepen our ties, which are based on long-standing historical, cultural, and religious bonds.\u201d<\/p>\n
He noted that since the upgrade of Greek-Serbian cooperation<\/b> to a strategic partnership in 2019, relations between the two countries have continued to strengthen, and today\u2019s meeting is paving the way for the High-Level Cooperation Council<\/b> scheduled to take place in Belgrade very soon.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt will be a huge milestone in the further strengthening of our already excellent relations,”<\/b> he noted.<\/p>\n
The central topic of the two ministers\u2019 discussions was Serbia\u2019s European perspective, which Greece considers important for the stability of the region<\/b> and for the prosperity of Europe as a whole.<\/p>\n
Mr. Gerapetritis <\/b>emphasized that Greece recognizes the significant progress Serbia has made and noted that it is important to accelerate the reforms currently underway. \u201cWe have high hopes for Serbia regarding the future of peace<\/b> and prosperity in our region,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, he stressed that economic cooperation between Greece and Serbia continues to show remarkable momentum<\/b>. Bilateral trade has reached record levels, while the prospects for further growth remain particularly encouraging.<\/p>\n
At the same time, he emphasized, \u201cwe attach particular importance to connectivity projects that will further strengthen the ties between our economies and our peoples. The development of the Thessaloniki-Skopje-Belgrade railway corridor remains a strategic priority<\/b> with the potential to transform the region into a major transport gateway to Central Europe.\u201d<\/p>\n
Referring to the energy<\/b> sector, he noted that initiatives such as the vertical natural gas corridor and the natural gas interconnections linking Greece, Bulgaria, and Serbia contribute significantly to energy security, diversification, and resilience<\/b>, strengthening the collective capacity to withstand external threats.<\/p>\n
He also referred to the international exhibition that Belgrade will host next year<\/b>. \u201cGreece supported Belgrade\u2019s bid from the outset, and three months ago, Greece signed the official agreement for its participation in the exhibition. We believe that this exhibition will be an important milestone reflecting the will of Serbia<\/b> and its people for the European path.”<\/p>\n
Regarding regional issues, Mr. Gerapetritis <\/b>confirmed to his Serbian counterpart that \u201cGreece\u2019s position on the status of Kosovo remains unchanged<\/b>. We firmly support the dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina under the auspices of the EU.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cGreek foreign policy remains guided by international law\u2014principles that we will continue to defend, including in our capacity as a non-permanent member<\/b> of the United Nations Security Council,\u201d he emphasized.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, the two ministers exchanged views on current geopolitical developments and the global situation, in Ukraine<\/b>, the broader Middle East<\/b>, Lebanon<\/b>, and Iran<\/b>. Mr. Gerapetritis expressed his condolences for the Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper<\/b> who lost his life in southern Lebanon in early June.<\/p>\n
Greece calls on all parties involved to respect international law, including international humanitarian law, and emphasizes that efforts to find diplomatic solutions must continue unabated<\/b>, the Minister noted.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe peoples of the Balkans understand better than most the value of peace, dialogue, and cooperation<\/b>. We continue to draw inspiration from the timeless vision of Rigas Feraios<\/b> for cooperation among the peoples of the Balkans and to work together toward a region characterized by stability, prosperity, and shared progress,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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