Newly appointed Foreign Affairs Minister Nikos Kotzias attended the EU Foreign Affairs Council’s extraordinary meeting in Brussels on developments in the Ukraine yesterday (29.01).

Upon his arrival, Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias made the following statement: "Greece is working toward the restoration of peace and stability in Ukraine, and at the same time it is working to prevent a rift between the European Union and Russia."

After taking over from outgoing Foreign Minister Evangelos Venizelos, Kotzias spoke of a proactive foreign policy, characterizing himself and his colleagues - Alternate Ministers Nikos Chountis and Euclid Tsakalotos - as Europeanists, stressing that "we look forward to bridges with the new emerging world." He made special reference to the catalytic role Greece can play as a stabilising factor in the region.

See also Ministry of Foreign Affairs: New Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias’ approach to Greek foreign policy (29.01) & Joint statements at handing-over ceremony (28.01)