Greek Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis is set to discuss Greece’s participation in the UN Security Council, alongside the progress of the contacts of the UN Secretary General’s envoy for the Cyprus problem, Maria Holguin, with Secretary General Antonio Guterres. The discussions will take place during a series of meetings in New York in the coming week.
Greece’s Bid for the Security Council
Greece is aiming for its third term as a non-permanent member state on the UN Security Council, following its previous memberships in 1952-1953 and 2005-2006. The election process for the 2025-2026 period will be held on Thursday in the General Assembly Hall. Greek diplomacy is keen on securing a high percentage of votes, which would demonstrate the momentum and support Greece has garnered.
During his trip, Gerapetritis will attend the election process and engage with his counterparts from Denmark, Pakistan, Somalia, and Panama—countries that are also candidates for non-permanent member state seats. Given that the number of seats available matches the number of countries running, all candidates are expected to be elected.
Reception and Diplomatic Engagements
A reception is scheduled for Wednesday evening, where foreign ministers from the candidate countries will have the opportunity to address the audience. This event will provide a platform for Gerapetritis to further bolster support for Greece’s candidacy.
In addition to these engagements, Gerapetritis will meet with Guterres to discuss Greece’s participation in the Security Council and review the progress of Holguin’s contacts with both sides involved in the Cyprus problem. These discussions are crucial as Greece seeks to play a significant role in resolving longstanding issues in the region.
Preparing for the Mandate
Greece’s mandate in the Security Council will commence on January 1, 2025. In preparation, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, will participate in Security Council meetings as an observer. This will allow him to familiarize himself with the proceedings and ensure a smooth transition when Greece officially begins its term.
As Greece navigates this critical juncture, its diplomatic efforts are focused on securing robust support and demonstrating its commitment to international peace and security.
