Iran warns Greece not to let 3rd party impact bilateral ties
Iran has warned Greece that neither the US nor any other third party wishes well for Tehran-Athens relations, noting bilateral ties have always been based on mutual respect, official news agency IRNA reported…reports Asian Lite News
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh on Tuesday gave the warning at a weekly press conference, referring to the Greek recent “illegal” impoundment of a Russia-operated ship carrying Iranian oil cargo, Xinhua news agency reported.
Despite all diplomatic channels Tehran had activated, including a phone conversation Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian held with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, Athens showed it attached greater importance to a third party’s order, said Khatibzadeh.
On Iran’s seizure of the Greek tankers in the Gulf, the Spokesman explained that the tankers had committed maritime violations in the Iranian territorial waters.
He suggested the Greek government solve the issue through legal channels, saying the Iranian Foreign Ministry will help.
Dismissing worries about the Greek tankers’ crew members, Khatibzadeh said they are safe and in good health and in contact with their families.
Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps seized two Greek oil tankers in the Gulf on Friday, days after a Russia-operated ship was captured by Greece in its territorial waters and its Iranian crude cargo confiscated by the US.
During the visit, Al-Falih will meet with a number of government officials and executives of major Greek companies, and will participate in the fifth meeting of the Saudi-Greek Ministerial Committee and the Saudi-Greek Investment Forum…reports Asian Lite News
Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih will start an official visit to Greece on Sunday to head of a delegation of government officials, representatives of the private sector and businessmen.
The three-day visit aims to expand the strategic partnership and enhance investment and trade relations between the two countries, the ministry announced.
During the visit, Al-Falih will meet with a number of government officials and executives of major Greek companies, and will participate in the fifth meeting of the Saudi-Greek Ministerial Committee and the Saudi-Greek Investment Forum.
He will also conclude the work and activities of the Saudi-Greek Business Council, with the participation of the Federation of Saudi Chambers and the Federation of Greek Companies, which aims to enhance economic cooperation between the two countries, address the challenges facing investors and exchange information on available investment opportunities.
One killed as migrants trying to enter Greece through border river
A woman was killed by gunfire as migrants and refugees were trying to enter Greece through the Evros river on the northern land border with Turkey, Greek authorities said…reports Asian Lite News
Greek police border guards retrieved the body from the water after five asylum seekers had reached the Greek side by boat, according to a press statement issued by the Citizen Protection Ministry on Sunday.
The Greek border guards were shouting to the group to return to Turkey when gunfire was heard and they also fired in the air, according to the Ministry.
Among the survivors who said that they had paid smugglers in Istanbul 2,000 euros ($2,162) each to enter Greece is a minor, the statement added.
Over a million people fleeing war zones and extreme poverty have reached Greece, mainly from Turkey since 2015, Xinhua news agency reported.
Most continued their journey to other European countries until the closure of the Balkan route in 2016. Although the number of new arrivals dropped in recent years, still thousands every year risk their lives to reach Europe.
Health Minister Thanos Plevris recommended all travellers entering Greece to repeat tests for Covid-19 on the second and fourth day upon their arrival…reports Asian Lite News
Greece’s government has announced a new set of measures to contain the further spread of Covid-19 during the upcoming holiday season.
In the wake of the emergence of the Omicron variant, the government has decided the cancellation of all public festive events, the mandatory use of a mask indoors and outdoors, and additional protection protocols for travellers, Health Minister Thanos Plevris told a press briefing on Thursday.
He recommended all travellers entering Greece to repeat tests for Covid-19 on the second and fourth day upon their arrival, Xinhua news agency reported.
“These measures, which will be effective until January 3, are sufficient to celebrate Christmas and New Year, without posing risks to public health,” Greek national broadcaster ERT quoted him as saying.
A special body advising the government on the pandemic will make new recommendations next week for additional measures from early next year, depending on the course of the pandemic, the official added.
Greek authorities reported 5,641 new coronavirus infections on Wednesday and 69 deaths within 24 hours
Britain maintains that Elgin acquired the sculptures legally when Greece was ruled by the Ottomans…reports Asian Lite News.
Greece is renewing a bid to seek the return of ancient sculptures removed from the Parthenon at the Acropolis in Athens more than 200 years ago from the British Museum, a government official said Monday.
Giannis Oikonomou, a government spokesman, told reporters the issue would be raised at a scheduled meeting in London Tuesday between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
The marbles — 17 figures and part of a frieze that decorated the 2,500-year-old Acropolis monument — were taken by Lord Elgin, the British ambassador to the Ottoman Empire, in the early 19th century. Britain maintains that Elgin acquired the sculptures legally when Greece was ruled by the Ottomans.
Greece renewed calls for the return of Parthenon sculptures taken by a British official in the 1800s.
The UK's British Museum, which has tens of thousands of stolen artifacts, many from ex-colonies, rejects returning the marbles and claims they are "everyone's shared heritage." pic.twitter.com/O4tMlIcnoV
“The obligation to return the Parthenon sculptures is entirely up to the government of the United Kingdom,” Oikonomou said. He added that the Greek request for government-to-government talks on the issue was backed by the United Nations’ cultural agency, UNESCO.
Greece has said the new Acropolis Museum that opened in 2009 would be used to display the sculptures if they were returned.
An emergency drill involving military personnel from eight countries was carried out off the southern coast of Cyprus, Defence Minister Charalambos Petrides announced…reports Asian Lite News
Military personnel participating in the drill on Tuesday, code-named “Nemesi 2021,” came from Cyprus, Greece, Egypt, France, Israel, Italy, the United Kingdom and the United States, Xinhua news agency reported.
Petrides explained that aim of the exercise, which is being coordinated by the Joint Search and Rescue Operation (MRCC) in the southern Cypriot city of Larnaca, was to improve procedures for dealing with emergency situations. These include anti-terrorism operations, search and rescue, and pollution of the marine environment, all within Cyprus’ exclusive economic zone.
The military personnel were trained in dealing with a terrorist attack on a drilling platform, as well as in the search and rescue of people working on the platform.
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“This will be the eighth consecutive Nemesis exercise, which is based primarily on the level of cooperation and coordination among the participants,” Petrides added.
The drill is being conducted in several Cypriot off-shore fields, in which a handful of international energy companies have been licensed to carry out natural gas drilling. Diplomatic staff from the participating countries and officials from ExxonMobil, ENI and Total energy companies attended the launch of the exercise at JRCC’s (Joint Rescue Coordination Center) base.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Foreign Minister of Greece Nikos Dendias meet in Washington…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and Foreign Minister of Greece Nikos Dendias, today reviewed the prospects of strengthening the strategic partnership ties between the two nations.
Abdullah bin Zayed meets FM of Greece
This came as the two top diplomats met today in Washington D.C., where they deliberated a number of regional and international issues of interest, including the latest developments in the eastern Mediterranean and the importance of strengthening peace and stability in the region.
Sheikh Abdullah highlighted the steady growth in the UAE-Greece relations across various fields thanks to the strategic partnership and friendly ties between the two nations.
He underlined the UAE’s determination to advance bilateral cooperation across all fields to the best interest of the two countries’ peoples Attending the meeting was the UAE Ambassador to the US Yousef Al Otaiba.
The UAE also assisted the efforts aimed at suppressing the fires, by deploying a helicopter to contain the wildfires on the borders of the Greek capital, Athens…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE, through its humanitarian arm, the Emirates Red Crescent (ERC), is providing urgent aid to support civilians affected by wildfires in Greece.
The UAE also assisted the efforts aimed at suppressing the fires, by deploying a helicopter to contain the wildfires on the borders of the Greek capital, Athens.
The aid is upon the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and in implementation of the orders of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and with the monitoring of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the ERC.
In a few hours, an Emirati aircraft loaded with food, health supplies, children’s food supplements and firefighting materials, such as firefighting clothing, pumps, water hoses and relevant accessories, will leave the country to Greece.
Dr. Mohammed Ateeq Al Falahi, ERC Secretary-General, said the directives of the UAE’s leadership underscore the country’s solidarity with the government and people of Greece in addressing the unprecedented wildfires in the country.
“This support highlights the UAE’s keenness to reduce the impact of the natural disaster taking place in Greece, as well as its unlimited solidarity with victims,” Al Falahi added, noting the ERC’s complete readiness to help in such situations.
Some of the aid materials and equipment was provided by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), he added, while pointing out that phase one of the campaign will focus on providing firefighting materials and shelter requirements, to be followed by other phases that will provide for the various needs of the Greek population.
The ERC is closely monitoring the humanitarian conditions in Greece and is working in coordination with relevant authorities to offer the best services to those affected by the disaster, he said in conclusion.
India and Greece enjoy close relations which have been strengthened by the shared values of democracy, rule of law and pluralism…reports Asian Lite News
India and Greece have agreed to work towards the establishment of strategic partnership between them. This decision was taken during EAM S Jaishankar’s three-day (June 25 to 27) visit to Greece, the first by an Indian Foreign Minister in the last 17 years. The two countries agreed to further consolidate the bilateral relations between them.
Visiting Athens at the invitation of Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias, EAM Jaishankar had a comprehensive exchange of views with his Greek counterpart on the ongoing cooperation in several areas such as, trade and investment, science and technology, culture, academics and people-to-people contact.
During the meeting, it was also agreed that the next round of Foreign Office Consultations and Joint Trade Committee would be held soon.
Jaishankar also paid a courtesy call on Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
Twitter(@DrSJaishankar)
In the course of the meeting, he conveyed felicitations of President Ram Nath Kovind Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the government and the people of Greece on the 200th anniversary of Greek independence.
The EAM also unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi in Athens on June 26, 2021.
The statue will act as a strong symbol of friendship between the two countries, the EAM said while unveiling the statue.
India and Greece enjoy close and friendly relations which have been strengthened by the shared values of democracy, rule of law, pluralism, equality, freedom of speech and respect for human rights.
During the EAM’s visit, the Greek Foreign Minister signed and handed over the Agreement on the International Solar Alliance (ISA) to the Indian side.
Jaishankar welcomed Greece to the family of the ISA. Both sides agreed that this will assist the two countries in realisation of the energy goals set by the respective governments to make renewable energy a significant part of the energy supply.
Twitter(@DrSJaishankar)
In the globalized world, both sides noted the importance of movement of people in an orderly and legal way and agreed to work towards and signing an agreement on migration and mobility.
Considering their rich ancient past, the two sides agreed to continue their relationship in the field of culture. Both sides reiterated the importance of signing the Cultural Exchange Programme for the period 2021-2025 at an early date.
Both sides also shared views on regional and global issues of mutual interest in the context of new geo-political and geo-economic realities, including the Indo-Pacific. Both sides noted with satisfaction the convergence of each-others’ vision for a free, open, inclusive and cooperative Indo-Pacific ensuring connectivity and growth for all in the region.
Both sides discussed the recent developments pertaining to the Eastern Mediterranean, Cyprus and Libya.
Both sides agreed that the rule of law and respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity are fundamental principles of international relations that must be observed by all.
India and Greece recognised the threat posed by radicalization, violent extremism, as well as terrorism, including cross border terrorism.
They emphasized that there can be no justification for these in any form or manifestation.
@DrSJaishankar
Both sides conveyed their deep commitment to multilateralism, and a rules-based international order. They reaffirmed the importance of the urgent reform of the UN, including UNSC expansion, and other multilateral institutions so as to make them more inclusive, transparent, accountable, and better reflective of contemporary geopolitical realities.
Greek side reiterated its support for permanent membership of India in a reformed UNSC.
India and Greece also discussed the Covid-19 situation globally and the process of economic recovery. They agreed on the need for joint efforts to combat the disease and to work together for consolidating economic and commercial activities during and immediately after the pandemic.
The Indian side expressed gratitude for the warm hospitality extended to them by the Greek side. The Indian side extended an invitation to Foreign Minister of Greece to visit India at a mutually convenient date. (INN)
The MEA Spokesperson further informed that the EAM will embark on a journey to Italy to attend the G20 Ministerial meetings…reports Asian Lite News.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will embark on a two-day visit to Greece on June 25. He will also visit Italy to attend the G-20 Ministerial meetings scheduled to be held on June 28-29.
In a media briefing held on Thursday, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, “External Affairs Minister of India Dr S Jaishankar will be leaving tomorrow for a visit to Greece and Italy.”
The EAM will be making a bilateral visit to Greece on June 25-26 where he will have talks with his Greek counterpart Nikos Dendias, apart from other engagements.
This will be the first External Affairs Minister’s level visit to Greece since 2006.
The MEA Spokesperson further informed that the EAM will embark on a journey to Italy to attend the G20 Ministerial meetings.
“After Greece, the EAM will travel to Italy to attend the G20 Ministerial meetings. These include meetings at foreign minister’s level as well as development minister level, both of which will be handled by the EAM,” Bagchi said.
The G20 Ministerial Foreign Ministers’ meetings and Foreign and development joint meetings are scheduled on June 28 and June 29 in Italy.
The Summit of the G20 Heads of State and Government will be held in Rome on October 30 and 31, 2021.
Jaishankar to travel to Greece, Italy this week; will attend G20 ministerial in Rome
The ministerial meetings are organized independently from the Summit, where the Heads of State and Government endorse some of the key outcomes achieved by the Ministers.
“We will continue to bring you updates as the visit commences,” he added.
Earlier this month, Jaishankar visited Kenya on a three-day bilateral summit to strengthen India’s relations with the major East African country. (INN)
