Greek Foreign Affairs Minister George Gerapetritis met with Syrian interim Foreign Affairs Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani in Athens on Wednesday, August 20, to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations amid a fragile geopolitical climate in the Middle East and Eastern Mediterranean.
According to Greek Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Lana Zochiou, the talks included Greece providing technology for institutional development and fostering collaboration on migration through technical committees.
Gerapetritis emphasised Greece’s firm support for Syria’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while highlighting the importance of inclusive governance by the transitional administration without external interference or exclusion of ethnic and religious communities.
FM George Gerapetritis met tdy @GreeceMFA with the interim Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Syrian Arab Republic, Asaad Al-Shaibani pic.twitter.com/FeFWt6F6Kl
— Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών (@GreeceMFA) August 20, 2025
He also underscored Greece’s interest in protecting Syria’s Christian populations and maintaining open communication between the Syrian transitional government and the Patriarchate of Antioch.
The ministers discussed adherence to international law, particularly the Law of the Sea, and respect for the sovereign rights of neighbouring countries.
Zochiou added that Gerapetritis and Al-Shaibani confirmed plans to promote regional cooperation through a trilateral scheme including Cyprus, with a potential first foreign ministerial meeting in September on the sidelines of the 80th UN General Assembly in New York.
