Mitsotakis at the UN: "We are builders of bridges, not creators of problems"
At the UN General Assembly Mitsotakis presented Greece as a pillar of stability and warned against unilateral actions and unchecked AI.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used his address to the UN General Assembly to cast Greece as a strategic connector between Europe and its eastern and southern neighborhoods, saying that his country stands as "builders of bridges, not creators of problems."
Key points from the speech
Mitsotakis framed Greece's geographic location as a natural responsibility to promote stability across the East Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Gulf, describing the country as a pillar of stability, connectivity and peace in the wider region.
Turning to relations with Turkey, he said Athens has spent the last three years working to improve ties, restore trust and keep communication channels open, but underlined that such progress must rest on international law and the principles of good neighbourliness. He warned: "Dialogue is necessary for peace and prosperity. However, substantive dialogue cannot coexist with unilateral actions that call into question the international legal order, nor can there be genuine progress when we are faced with threats of war as a response to the exercise of legitimate rights under international law. Such actions do not resolve disputes but only deepen them. And that creates a risk of undermining the stability of the wider region in which we live," Mitsotakis said.
On the Cyprus issue he voiced support for the UN Secretary-General's efforts and reiterated that the objective remains reunification of Cyprus in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.
Energy and regional connectivity were central themes. Mitsotakis said Greece seeks "to turn its unique geographic position into stronger links between Europe, the Middle East, the Gulf and North Africa," and stressed that the country is using its location to help ensure "energy security for our northern neighbours."
He also addressed artificial intelligence, issuing a caution that "uncontrolled development, without an appropriate regulatory framework, carries risks that may potentially far outweigh its possible benefits."
Photo: press material from the event
