Greek FM Gerapetritis discusses Türkiye, Athen’s OSCE candidacies
Greek Foreign Minister Georgios Gerapetritis speaks to the press ahead of European Union Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Belgium on November 18, 2024. (AA Photo)
Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis stated that the joint nominations for Türkiye’s candidacy for the OSCE Secretary-General and Greece’s candidacy for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) are of great symbolic importance.
Speaking ahead of the OSCE 31st Ministerial Council in Valletta, Malta, Gerapetritis highlighted these candidacies were presented jointly by Athens and Ankara, marking a significant gesture in European diplomacy.
The meeting, scheduled for Dec. 5-6, is expected to host representatives from 57 OSCE member states to discuss security and cooperation in the region.
Symbolic importance of joint nominations
Gerapetritis emphasized the historical value of these joint candidacies, stating: “In May 2024, my Turkish counterpart and I proposed two of the four most important OSCE positions. This is a highly symbolic action. It reflects the potential for countries with historical burdens to become driving forces for security and cooperation in Europe while maintaining peace as the foundation.”
Greece’s candidacy for the ODIHR
On Greece’s candidacy for the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, Gerapetritis noted that if Greece is elected to this position, the country would play a pivotal role in promoting fair elections, strengthening democratic institutions, protecting human rights, safeguarding minorities and addressing inequalities.
Türkiye-Greece cooperation and joint candidacies
Gerapetritis also mentioned that Greece and Türkiye, in their joint decision, have supported the candidacies of Feridun Sinirlioglu for the OSCE Secretary-General and Mania Telalian for the ODIHR post.
He stressed that this collaboration between the two countries symbolizes their shared commitment to strengthening security and stability in the region.
OSCE 31st ministerial council
The Foreign Minister emphasized that the upcoming OSCE meeting is of great importance, not only for the future of the organization but also because of the ongoing conflicts in Europe.
Gerapetritis underscored that Greece’s contribution to the OSCE aligns with its responsibility as a key player in European security and peace efforts.
