Greece and UK signaled a push toward deeper diplomatic coordination during high-level talks in Athens on Thursday, where Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis hosted UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper.
The visit, the first by a British foreign secretary since April 2017, came as European allies confront intensifying geopolitical pressures, debates over defense investment, and heightened instability stemming from wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Gerapetritis emphasized that strengthening cooperation with London is essential for maintaining NATO cohesion and advancing shared regional priorities. He framed the bilateral agenda as strategically significant and rooted in longstanding ties, noting that relations have endured and evolved across successive governments and shifting international dynamics.
Greece’s and the UK’s foreign ministers discuss defense safeguards
NATO priorities and the security environment in the Eastern Mediterranean took center stage during the Athens meeting. Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s longstanding position that defense contracts with third countries must explicitly prevent the use of military equipment against NATO allies. The demand has sharpened amid concerns about weapons transfers to nations whose actions may threaten alliance cohesion.
The two ministers also reviewed burden-sharing debates inside NATO and emphasized the importance of fairer contribution to common defense capabilities. Both sides said that multilateralism remains a prerequisite for collective security and that international institutions such as the United Nations continue to play an indispensable stabilizing role.
Pressure on Moscow and support for Ukraine
The talks included extensive discussion on the war in Ukraine. Cooper called for accelerating legal and financial mechanisms to mobilize frozen Russian sovereign assets to support Kyiv and increase diplomatic pressure on Moscow. Cooper argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown no credible intent to pursue peace, stating that escalation remains his goal.
She pointed to London’s announcement a day earlier enabling proceeds from the 2022 sale of Chelsea Football Club to be used for humanitarian aid in Ukraine. The move, she said, creates the conditions for former owner Roman Abramovich to meet commitments he made in 2022.
Gerapetritis reaffirmed Greece’s support for diplomatic initiatives aimed at securing a sustainable peace based on full recognition of Ukrainian sovereignty and credible security guarantees to prevent renewed aggression.
Gaza ceasefire and regional stability
Gaza was another focal point, with ministers emphasizing the need to maintain the ceasefire and secure large-scale humanitarian assistance for Palestinians.
Gerapetritis said Greece supports deeper engagement in peace efforts, reconstruction plans and humanitarian corridors, stressing the need for reforms within the Palestinian Authority to re-launch a political process toward a two-state solution.
The discussion broadened into concerns about regional escalation and maritime security in the Eastern Mediterranean, where Athens sees increasing strategic pressures.
Cyprus issue remains core Greek priority
Gerapetritis stressed that Cyprus remains a fundamental pillar of Greek foreign policy. He said diplomatic momentum must be sustained ahead of upcoming multilateral meetings and encouraged progress on confidence-building measures.
He voiced support for efforts by the UN Secretary-General and his envoy to renew talks aimed at reaching a fair and comprehensive settlement aligned with UN Security Council resolutions.
Coordinated response to migration
Migration management featured prominently in the Athens talks. Gerapetritis described Greece’s approach as strict but rules-based, combining reinforced border surveillance with accelerated asylum procedures and upgraded reception facilities.
Both ministers agreed to launch a structured bilateral dialogue to coordinate returns, disrupt smuggling networks and align policies on irregular migration, recognizing shared pressures stemming from regional instability.
He argued that no frontline state can shoulder the burden alone and called for stronger international cooperation grounded in solidarity.
Parthenon sculptures return request reaffirmed in Greece – UK talks
On cultural diplomacy, Gerapetritis reiterated Greece’s longstanding request for the reunification of the Parthenon Sculptures, saying discussions remain active with UK authorities and the British Museum.
He characterized the request as a universal cultural claim rooted in protecting global heritage rather than a bilateral cultural dispute. The ministers also discussed expanding cooperation in tourism, education and cultural programming to deepen public engagement between the two countries.