BERLIN – Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis described his recent visit to Berlin as a confirmation of the strategic alignment between Greece and Germany, at a particularly critical international juncture. During his meeting with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, on March 17 the renewed escalation in the Middle East and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz were discussed. The two sides noted a convergence of views regarding the non-involvement of their countries in military operations in the Gulf region.
Within the same context, discussions also covered support for Cyprus, the prospect of European Union enlargement in the Western Balkans, and the potential emergence of new migration flows toward Europe.
Both ministers repeatedly emphasized that their countries do not intend to become involved in the conflict surrounding Iran. “Greece’s position has been clear from the outset – it does not intend to engage in the war…Our priority is the safety of our seafarers currently in the Gulf and of Greek vessels effectively stranded in the region,” Gerapetritis stated. He called on all parties involved “to ensure freedom of navigation and to refrain from any action that violates the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.” He underlined that safeguarding freedom of navigation is not only linked to oil prices, but also to food security, as well as to global prosperity and social cohesion. “Returning to diplomacy is a priority in order to restore freedom of navigation – any threat against it is unacceptable,” the foreign minister stressed.
The Greek side places particular importance on ensuring free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Gerapetritis called for a “broader economic alliance for the protection of freedom of navigation,” in coordination with regional stakeholders, Gulf countries, and Iran, to ensure that maritime traffic remains unaffected by any armed conflict. A lasting solution, Gerapetritis noted, can only be achieved within the framework of a broader alliance under the auspices of international organizations, primarily the United Nations.
Diplomatic sources, however, described proposals for the military escort of vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as “premature” and “insufficiently developed” approaches, warning that they could potentially expose ships and their crews to greater risk. They also stressed that “the impact of control over the Strait of Hormuz has been underestimated.”
On his part, Wadephul acknowledged that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is in the interest of both Germany and Europe, while reiterating that Germany “will not participate” in the armed conflict. He clarified that “safe navigation in the region can only be guaranteed within the framework of a new security architecture,” to be developed in coordination with the countries of the Gulf, including Iran.
The German Foreign Minister also noted that patience is still necessary, while emphasizing that Europe must prepare for the day after. Greek diplomatic sources underlined, in this regard, that the course and outcome of the conflict cannot be predicted, and stressed that “we must be prepared for all possible short- and long-term scenarios.”