Political, economic, defence and energy cooperation between Greece and the US were the focal points of discussion during Tuesday’s meeting between FM George Gerapetritis and US Senator Cory Booker.
Gerapetritis and Booker exchanged views on the situation in the Eastern Mediterranean, Middle East and major international crises.
Regarding the crisis in the Middle East and its implications for the Red Sea, Gerapetritis expressed Athens’ support for President Joe Biden’s peace plan.
He also discussed Greek initiatives in the Middle East. He mentioned the destabilizing actions of the Houthis in the Red Sea and the risks to maritime safety and international trade. He emphasized Greece’s contribution to protecting international shipping through its role in the EU’s “ASPIDES” operation.
Gerapetritis and Booker discussed Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue which as the Greek FM stressed, must be resolved based on the decisions of the UN Security Council.
Energy issues were also discussed extensively. Regarding the Greek economy, the US senator emphasized that the progress of Greece’s economy makes it a “miracle in the region.”
Booker showed particular interest in Greek positions on the situation in Africa. Gerapetritis referred to the challenges facing Africa as democracies destabilize, humanitarian crises escalate and piracy persists.