Press conference with Nikos Dendias - Athens
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear Nikos,
First of all, I would like to thank you for the warm welcome here in Athens.
However short our stay, we have been able to experience the legendary Greek hospitality, for which we are most grateful.
We just concluded an interesting and productive meeting on this very symbolic day. This November 11th, we commemorate Armistice Day – the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front.
Now, more than a hundred years later, we find ourselves faced with another war in Europe.
Since February 24st, both our nations have, together with our partners from the European Union and abroad, enacted unprecedented sanctions that have deeply impacted Russia’s ability to wage war. We also provided substantial support for Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, for territorial integrity, for democracy. Democracy, that has its cradle here, in this great country.
As we all know, the war that has been going on for almost nine months now, has caused a major energy crisis, which deeply affects our citizens and our companies. In order to tackle that crisis, our countries are, within the European Union, making a decisive shift - away from our dependence on Russian energy.
It means working with diverse and reliable energy suppliers, and accelerating the transition by investing in more sustainable energy sources.
Belgium, with its large LNG port of Zeebruges, has become an important EU gas transit supplier. And Belgium will further increase its already important offshore wind energy production in the coming years. With a production capacity of 2.2 Gigawatt, the North Sea is already a strategic source of endless renewable energy supply.
Greece has also an important role to play in the energy transition and in the security of supply of Southeastern Europe. Belgian companies can contribute to these efforts, in particular in the gas infrastructure and in offshore wind energy.
It's also what I’m planning to say at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh tomorrow: we are bringing solutions to the table.
Because we have to address the fundamental challenges of our time. And we can’t leave our people out in the cold.
***
During the meeting we just had, we also discussed Greece’s role in advancing the European integration of the six Western Balkan countries.
In that respect, Belgium continues to support the European path that these countries have chosen. It’s a choice we embrace and fully support.
However, sustained efforts and political commitment from our partners on their way towards accession are key, as well as better alignment on our policies – especially on Foreign Policy and visa policy.
When the objectives that have been set, are met, the EU also has to deliver and advance the region’s integration. The EU needs to enhance its political involvement in the region. It’s our common responsibility.
The European Union has amply demonstrated that it’s a reliable partner, and the Western Balkans can count on the full support of countries like Belgium, with the experience we have as a founding member of our Union.
The EU will continue to be a close partner and a strong player in the years to come.
It is of crucial importance to also be perceived as such.
***
We also discussed regional issues, such as the relations with Turkey.
Turkey is, and you’re well aware of that, a neighbor like no other. It’s an Allied country within NATO and a major actor in the region, who has – let’s face it – sometimes adopted a disruptive attitude in our neighborhood.
This concerns Greece, but not exclusively.
To cope with those tensions, we have, within the European Union, committed to a positive approach.
A positive agenda that we agreed on last year, stays on track if Ankara remains committed to our common objectives - to de-escalation and cooperation.
This means that, bilaterally and at the European level, our country favors the continuation of numerous political contacts and consultations on human and minority rights, consular affairs, counterterrorism, Foreign Terrorist Fighters, migration, economic and trade issues, as well as regional and international affairs.
In our one-on-one, you specifically mentioned the bilateral tensions over the Aegean Sea, dear Nikos.
As I told you, we regret those tensions. We also condemn provocative statements.
We are convinced everyone must respect international law.
De-escalation and dialogue are the only way to resolve these kinds of bilateral disputes.
We commend Greece’s constructive attitude, as it contributes to demining conflictual situations.
And conflict should be avoided at all cost.
***
Concerning the situation in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, there is real concern about the violence we’ve seen the last couple of weeks in the West Bank.
Too many lives have been lost. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.
We are urging all parties to de-escalate and avoid all actions further inciting violence. As an occupying power, Israel also has clear obligations. International law, human rights law and international humanitarian law must be respected at all times.
Our priority remains the resumption of a credible negotiation process between the parties, based on international law and recognized parameters.
It should enable the two-state solution, based on the borders of 1967.
We are also clear-eyed, dear Nikos, about the importance of the European Union getting its place at the table and being implicated in the process.
***
Dear Nikos,
On these and on so many other things, Belgium and Greece are speaking with one voice, and speaking strongly for the values that we share.
(And I understand that we share more than just values – we apparently also share the same artistic taste. If we don’t have the time to do it now, I will certainly go and see the mural by our Belgian artist - Kitsune Jolene - at the next opportunity.)
Finally, I just wanted to add that our partnership could not be more relevant or more timely.
None of the challenges we face, we can tackle alone.
We need to find ways to collaborate even closer than before.
That’s exactly what we’re doing.
Thank you.
