Foreign MinisterGeorge Gerapetritis and his Finnish counterpart Elina Valtonensent a joint message in support of European unity and a common response to geopolitical threats.
“As states in the northern and southern neighborhoods of the EU and NATO, we face common challenges, asymmetric and hybrid threats that remind us that Europe’s security is indivisible,” the Foreign Minister emphasized.
As he noted, according to the Ministry’s official statement, “these threats do not necessarily stem from conventional means, but from means that are difficult for a single state to address on its own,” adding that solidarity among European Union member states is “absolutely necessary.”
“Systemic challenges” for Europe
The Foreign Minister noted that Greece and Finland share similar positions on a “strong, enlarged, competitive, and strategically autonomous Europe,” while also referring to the European perspective of the Western Balkans, with respect for international law and good-neighborly relations.
Referring to developments in Ukraine, Gaza, the Middle East, and Iran, he noted that these crises have highlighted Europe’s vulnerability in strategic areas such as defense, energy, and supply chains.
At the same time, he emphasized that Greece attaches particular importance to maritime security and freedom of navigation, making it clear that Athens opposes the so-called “shadow fleet,” which violates international law and poses risks to the marine environment.
Mr. Gerapetritis stated emphatically that “Greece is taking all necessary measures to combat this phenomenon. We reaffirm our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts in support of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit, in full cooperation with all parties involved.
It is absolutely essential to ensure security in all maritime areas, especially those with very heavy traffic. No action should jeopardize the safety of civilians or the safety of navigation.”
Valtonen: “Russia brought war to Europe”
For her part, Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated that “there are forces that want to undermine the foundations on which our prosperity rests, ” noting that “Russia brought war to Europe.”
She also referred to Finland’s historical experience with Russia, emphasizing that her country remained independent after World War II, while expressing the hope that “Russia will return to the path of international law.”
The Foreign Minister welcomed“the tremendous progress made in Greece by this government. In Finland, we have been rather slow lately, and we are now looking to Greece to see how things are done here.”
He also emphasized that Finland supports the full restoration of shipping routes. We must ensure that nothing related to the war is exported from Russia.
“As for the Middle East, we are grateful that Greece is cooperating with regional actors. Greece has demonstrated the ability to anticipate the situation. To remain resilient and defend the principles we hold dear—democracy and the rule of law—we need a thriving economy,” she concluded.