Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis brought up Greece-Türkiye relations, Gaza and artificial intelligence issues at the UN General Assembly

In his speech at the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations (UN), Mitsotakis evaluated the developments in the world.

Referring to Turkey-Greece relations, Mitsotakis said, "For the last three years, we have been making continuous efforts to improve our relations, build trust and keep dialogue channels open, so that a possible tension that could lead to unwanted crises can be prevented." he said.

Mitsotakis stated that there is a sensitive relationship between Türkiye and Greece that carries the weight of history, and that a common understanding on how to move forward is urgently needed, considering regional and large-scale developments.

Stating that this understanding should be based on respect for international law and good neighborly relations, Mitsotakis said, "As I have said many times, we cannot change the geography, it is our destiny to live side by side." he said.

THE ONLY DISPUTE IS DETERMINATION OF THE CONTINENTAL SHELF

Mitsotakis claimed that the only dispute between Turkey and Greece was the determination of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the continental shelf, and argued that the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea was the only institutional framework to solve these problems.

Mitsotakis also touched upon the Cyprus issue, claiming that this issue is a "litmus test" in terms of showing the UN's ability to implement its own decisions.

The Greek Prime Minister also stated that they support the efforts of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to restart negotiations on this issue.

CONFLICTS IN THE WORLD AND THE UN

Stating that the world is going through dangerous times, Mitsotakis emphasized that the UN needs multilateralism more in this period when conflicts and tension increase.

Mitsotakis pointed out that there is a legal framework for peaceful resolution of problems in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and said, "Strategic sea lanes from the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea to the Indo-Pacific Ocean are increasingly turning into areas of geopolitical conflict. Commercial ships are targeted, vital commercial routes are used as a means of pressure. This has serious consequences on the supply chains, energy market and food security at the global level." he said.

The Greek Prime Minister expressed everyone's responsibility to protect maritime trade.

'THE RECONSTRUCTION OF GAZA SHOULD BE IN THE HANDS OF THE PALESTINES'

Pointing out that the peace plan adopted for Gaza last year should be implemented, Mitsotakis noted that the reconstruction process in Gaza should progress with the Palestinians taking their own future into their own hands.

Mitsotakis reminded that Greece is in a strategic partnership with Israel, and on the other hand, "The developments in the West Bank continue to be a source of deep concern. According to international law, activities that are unlawful and endanger the existence of a future Palestinian state cannot be allowed." he said.

Stating that there is an opportunity for permanent peace in Lebanon, Mitsotakis said that Greece also supports a sovereign and united Lebanon.

'THERE IS A NEED FOR REGULATIONS IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE'

Mitsotakis also touched upon the issue of artificial intelligence and pointed out that despite all its benefits, regulations on artificial intelligence are needed.

Noting that artificial intelligence companies should receive permission to operate on the basis of complying with human values, transparency and security conditions, Mitsotakis added that he supports the ideas of voluntarily temporarily suspending the development of artificial intelligence models until the necessary regulations are made.