In Baghdad: Aiming for a stable political environment
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, speaking from Baghdad after meeting with Iraqi Vice‑President and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, said he hopes for a stable political environment in Iraq that will provide “fertile ground on which to build.” The visit focused on consolidating bilateral relations and exploring ways to deepen cooperation between the two countries.
Historical and cultural ties
Gerapetritis emphasized the deep historical ties between Greece and Iraq, describing both nations as “pillars of ancient civilizations that have deeply influenced the whole world.” He highlighted the legacy of Alexander the Great as a strong element of shared history between the Greek and Iraqi peoples.
Strengthening economic relations and new partnerships
The minister described Iraq as “one of Greece’s most important trading partners” and said both sides discussed ways to expand economic cooperation, particularly in investments, energy, tourism, agriculture, construction and water‑management technology. He said the two governments agreed to tap the untapped potential of bilateral relations to increase trade volume and recalled that the recently held 9th session of the Joint Interministerial Committee in Baghdad was an important step in that direction.
Gerapetritis also announced that Aegean Airlines will launch direct flights between Athens and Erbil starting in December, a move he said will “significantly strengthen economic and cultural ties” between the countries. He added that Greece will be the first European Union country with a direct air link to Baghdad.
Stability and peace in the Middle East
Referring to Greece’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–2026 term, Gerapetritis stressed that Greece remains a steadfast supporter of international law and the UN Charter, with respect for states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. He described Iraq as “one of the countries with the greatest influence in the region” and praised its efforts to promote peace, noting that Greece, as an honest interlocutor with Arab countries, supports stability and prosperity across the Middle East.
On Gaza, he said the Sharm El‑Sheikh Summit for Peace “offers a ray of hope” for ending hostilities and establishing a sustainable ceasefire, and added that Greece aims to contribute actively to reconstruction and to provide humanitarian assistance.
Support for Syria and closer EU–Iraq cooperation
Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s support for Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and called for inclusive governance representing all ethnic and religious communities, including Syria’s Christian population. He said Greece stands ready to help strengthen relations between the European Union and Iraq and to promote economic development across the wider region.
He also noted that Greece will hold the presidency of the Forum of Ancient Civilizations in 2025 and invited his Iraqi counterpart to attend the forthcoming 9th Ministerial Meeting in Athens.
