Greece is interested in supporting Christians in Middle East, says minister

Greek flag is seen on Church of Panagia Pantanassa in Monastiraki in Athens, Greece. [Photo by Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images]

Greece is interested in supporting Christian minorities in the Middle East, the country’s foreign minister said on Sunday. George Gerapetritis made his comment in an interview with Greek public broadcaster ERT following his reception by Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa and meeting with Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan Al-Shibani during his visit to Damascus.

Syria’s new state institutions were discussed by the officials. “The institutions have to be based on the rule of law,” said Gerapetritis. “They have to be inclusive, tolerant and comply fully with international law and especially the Law of the Sea.”

The Greek official pointed out that his country is active in the region, as a member of the UN Security Council and a strong EU member state. “Greece has a vested interest due to the existence of Christian populations in the region,” he added.

Saying that Greece is a “reliable interlocutor” with the Arab world, he noted that the country “will remain engaged to ensure stability and peace in the region.”

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