The meetings of N. Dendias in London have been completed

The meeting of the Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias with the acting British Foreign Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris in London ended on Monday afternoon.

According to diplomatic sources, the climate was extremely warm and the newly appointed Undersecretary of State for European Affairs showed great interest in learning first-hand about Greek positions. In turn, the Greek Foreign Minister seized the opportunity and briefed him extensively on a number of issues of concern to Greek foreign policy.

According to the same sources, the British Minister of Foreign Affairs, Liz Tras, sent her greetings to the Greek Minister, since she is still recovering from a coronavirus in her house, with the hope that the two of them will be able to meet as soon as possible.

Messrs. Dendias and Heaton, among others, discussed the implementation of the “Memorandum of Understanding on the Strategic Bilateral Framework” signed by Greece and the United Kingdom in October. It is noted that Chris Heaton Harris is the British official responsible for the implementation of this memorandum. This is a historic agreement that aims to strengthen the ties between the two countries, covering a wide range of issues, such as defense, trade, tourism, maritime affairs and in general what is of interest to the relations between the two countries.

The two men also had a fairly extensive discussion on developments in the Southeastern Mediterranean and the Cyprus issue. Special emphasis was given to the attitude of Turkey, where Mr. Dendias thoroughly presented the Greek positions to the British Undersecretary.

European Union-UK relations were also discussed, as well as the crisis in Ukraine. Mr. Dendias made special mention of the need to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states. He noted his contacts with Russia, stressing the importance of maintaining channels of communication with Moscow. At the same time, he pointed out the need to protect Greek expatriates in Ukraine, while he did not fail to share his experience from his recent visit to Mariupol.

Earlier, Mr Dendias met with the Bahamas and Brunei ambassadors to the United Kingdom. These are ambassadors based in London, but are also accredited in Greece. In these meetings, among other things, the Greek minister presented the Greek candidacy for the position of non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the period 2025-26, asking for the support of these states.

Mr. Dendias leaves for Rome tomorrow.

Source: AMPE