Avramopoulos At NATO Foreign Ministers Meeting - Has Word With Russian Counterpart

Dimitris Avramopoulos, greek politician. New Democracry. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos participated in the NATO Ministerial in Brussels, which was held several days ago with a working luncheon of the NATO-Russia Council, at which the Russian side was represented by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.  In all, Foreign Ministers exchanged views on recent developments in the Middle East and North Africa, with emphasis on the crisis in Syria. Over the two day sessions,  officials discussed critical issues for the Alliance, as well as serious developments in the broader region. At the same time the Greek FM held a meeting his Russian counterpart and agreed to work together to boost relations between both countries into a new dynamic period in vital sectors: investments, energy, tourism.

The Ministers also analyzed the situation in the Middle East, and the Greek side stabilizing the role that Greece plays and the efforts Athens is making to consolidate peace in the region. Regarding Syria, Mr.Avramopoulos reiterated Greece's firm stance that a military solution is not an option, and that a political process has to be initiated, giving the Syrian people the opportunity to decide their own fate and future.

Another issue that was important for Greece was NATO enlargement. The rise in nationalism and populism in certain neighbouring countries is a source of great concern for Greece. Avramopoulos made it very clear -to all concerned- that such conduct in unacceptable. Candidate countries –whether NATO or EU – must respect the principles and values of Europe. The bar will not be lowered, and all of the criteria and conditions will have to be met.