The Greek FM, who arrived in Tehran on Sunday heading a high-ranking delegation, made the remarks in Tehran University’s Faculty of Law and Political Science.
He said that his visit is a trip of friendship, peace and trust which is made for mutual cooperation.
He added that Greece is a small nation compared to other EU countries but it takes the initiative where it is necessary; for instance in the 19th November UN session, Greece refused to vote against the human rights condition in Syria. We agreed upon many issues however refused to vote to the resolution’s 14th article since it mentioned Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution and the Quds Force as terrorist organizations and which indeed turned the human rights into a political matter.
Kotzias also talked about Iran and Greece ties saying that the two countries are linked to one another thanks to three thousand years of joint history.
The FM noted that Greece is keen to expand economic ties with Iran.
He added that although Greece is a small country in the EU, but it plays an effective role in increasing the Union’s member countries. EU enlarged during Greece’s presidency.
The Greek Foreign Minister underlined that his country has not launched any unjust war in the past recent years and unlike some other European countries, it was not after colonialism and never even follows such policies.
He added that the EU should accept issues which guarantee peace and security in the Middle East. Ukraine at the top, Libya at the right and Syria at the left are the three sides of the insecurity triangle.
Asked about Palestine and Syria’s condition, he replied “We totally agree with the establishment of Palestine’s government. However we observe our own interests as well and feel close to the people of Iran and Palestine.”
Talking about the foreign policies of Greece, he added the country believes that the problems should be identified and solutions should be found.
Different countries including Iran and Russia should cooperate to solve Syria’s crisis. Issues like sanctions are not practical anymore and international relations and diplomatic issues should be used instead, he underlined.
The Greek official also talked about the migration crisis saying that currently more than 630,000 refugees are in Greece who lost their homes due to the war. These refugees entered six islands of Greece in the past seven months while only 96 people were living in them.
He also said that a democratic election should be held in Syria and added “Vienna’s agreement is the best way to establish peace in Syria. Following the elections in Syria, a democratic constitutional law should be formed.”
Nikos Kotzias also expressed his sympathy with Paris over the recent terrorist attack.
Kotzias is accompanied by his Deputy Minister Dimitris Mardas, in charge of economic affairs, Deputy Industry Minister Theodora Tzakri and a delegation of 40 Greek businessmen who will be looking into the Iranian market for business opportunities in various fields.
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