File photo.
Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is reportedly planning visits to Syria, Israel and the West Bank in an effort to strengthen Athens’ diplomatic ties and regional influence.
Gerapetritis is set to meet his Syrian counterpart, Asaad al-Shaybani in Damascus. The meeting, part of a broader Middle East tour, marks a significant shift, as key European nations and the EU have recently engaged with Syria’s new government.
Athens hopes to address issues like maritime zone demarcations between Syria and Turkey, which could affect Cyprus’ interests, and to advocate for the rights of Christians in Syria.
These efforts align with Greece’s close coordination with the Patriarchate of Antioch and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. In Jerusalem, Gerapetritis will meet his Israeli counterpart and later travel to Ramallah for discussions with Palestinian Authority officials.
A stop in Jordan is also planned to address humanitarian and regional stability concerns, particularly regarding Gaza and Syria.