Athens, 17 November 2022

Meeting of National Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee with Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament of Sweden

At the initiative of the Chairman of the National Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee of the Hellenic Parliament Konstantinos Gioulekas, an online meeting was held today between members of the Committee and members of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Sweden, the subject of discussion being latest developments in the Eastern Mediterranean and the Aegean. 

The sum of Greek MPs condemned Turkish revisionism and asked for the support of Sweden in the effort to shape a common European policy that effectively tackles threats against EU member states. 

Mr Gioulekas referred to the common direction of the two countries, vis-à-vis condemning the Russian invasion of Ukraine. He underscored the obligations of the countries as dictated by International Law, contrasting it with the systematic revisionist rhetoric, as well as the ongoing contesting of International Conventions on the part of Turkey. He also pointed out Greece's openness to dialogue, which doesn't however, under any circumstances, include the negotiation of its national sovereignty. Lastly, he stressed to the Swedish colleagues the constant tension in Greece, as a result of an abundance of aggressive statements by the Turkish President and other members of the Turkish government. 

In their interventions, the Greek MPs pointed out the similarities in the revisionist rationale of Turkey and Russia and the need to shape a common European foreign policy, with an autonomous strategy. They referred to similarities between the Turkish invasion of Cyprus and the ongoing situation in Ukraine and highlighted the need for Turkey to respect International Law, while they reminded their counterparts that Turkey is the only country to not have implemented the sanctions against Russia. 

The Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Parliament of Sweden Aron Emilsson, recognised the difficult situation created by Turkey, pointing out the need to respect the sovereign rights of countries and to resolve differences through dialogue. He condemned the rhetoric of threats, regardless where it may come from, and thanked his Greek counterparts for accepting Sweden's request to become a NATO member and for the initiative to hold the discussion. 

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