Dendias: A new reality in the country's international relations

Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Friday spoke of a new reality in the country's international relations, during which it will enhance its presence in the European Union, play an active role in the Balkans and deepen relations with the US, Russia and China.

Dendias was addressing the ceremony for the cutting of the traditional New Year pie at the foreign ministry.

"We have also chosen to create a new reality in the country's foreign relations after the 10 years of crisis that inevitably led to enormous introversion," Dendias said, adding: "In this context, we are strengthening our role in our neighborhood, in the Balkans, with the intensification of the Western Balkans' accession prospects, under the conditionalities of which you are well aware. We are strengthening our bilateral relations with the countries participating in European affairs and the European Union. We are building a wider network of understanding in the Mediterranean, including North Africa and the Arab Peninsula. We are deepening our relations with the superpower, with the United States, re-establishing warmer relations with Russia, further developing economic cooperation with China. We maintain a close contact with international organisations and with members of the United Nations Security Council."

"The country, we all know, is facing a great number of challenges in the Mediterranean, but also in general. For our part, we are called upon to do our duty by defending our national interests, patriotically and with a clear head," he said.