The President of SYRIZA, Alexis Tsipras, met the US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, on Tuesday at the Hotel Grande Bretagne in central Athens. They discussed Greek-American and Greek-Turkish relations, as well as developments in Ukraine.
In this context, the president of SYRIZA emphasised the importance of the development of the multi-level Greek-American strategic cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis, in a way that will strengthen the role of Greece as a pillar of peace and stability, but also an energy and economic pillar.
Tsipras underlined that the war in Ukraine led to greater tension in Greek-Turkish relations, particularly with an increase in Turkish aggression and competition in NATO's southern wing.
He added that the role of the US cannot be limited to selling weapons to Greece and issuing statements following violations, nor to send messages of tolerance to Turkish aggression.
In addition, he underlined that the climate of solidarity and cooperation after the deadly earthquakes in Turkey must be exploited to create a new dynamic in Greek-Turkish relations by promoting a meaningful dialogue on the basis of international law.
In this context, Tsipras emphasised that the US has a critical role to play in putting pressure on Turkey to advance this dialogue with two clear red lines that are consistent with the principles they highlight internationally - Greece's territorial integrity and its right to defend its islands with a military presence.
At the same time, he pointed out there must be a restart in the talks for a fair and sustainable solution of the Cyprus issue on the basis of the UN Resolutions, without guarantees and occupying troops.
In this context, Tsipras referred to the proposals he has tabled for the interconnection of Greek-Turkish and Euro-Turkish relations, as well as the expansion of Greece's territorial waters in the Eastern Mediterranean and the delimitation of the Exclusive Economic Zones with neighbouring countries.
At the same time, he underlined the need to make every effort by the international community to end the illegal and bloody Russian invasion of Ukraine and Moscow's return to diplomacy.
He added that it is the choice of each country how to show solidarity with the Ukrainian people in their struggle, based on its principles, its geopolitical position and the threats it faces.
Finally, the SYRIZA leader emphasised that Greece has the potential to contribute in ways that are consistent with its role as a pillar of peace and stability in the region, without sending military equipment and even from its islands.
The meeting was attended by the Head of Foreign Affairs Georgios Katrougalos, the Deputy Head of Defence Giorgos Tsipras and the diplomatic advisor of the President of SYRIZA-Progressive Alliance, Vangelis Kalpadakis.
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