![Dendias – Contacts on the first day of the 76th UN General Assembly](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/dendias-2-1.jpg)
According to diplomatic sources, on the first day of his participation in the 76th UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias had a series of bilateral contacts with his counterparts from countries with which there are no frequent contacts, which, however, play a role in international events.
First, he met with Gambian Foreign Minister Mohamed Tangara, who stressed the importance that our country attaches to the Sahel region. In this context, the accreditation of the Greek Ambassador to Senegal, and a special envoy for the Sahel region and the Gambia, was requested. The Foreign Minister also underlined on the one hand the growth dynamics of Africa, which has the potential to be the new economic driving force. On the other hand, he pointed out the challenges that may come from Africa, for Greece, but also for the rest of the European Union, such as immigration and terrorism.
For this reason, he stressed that strengthening relations with the countries of the region and increasing the European Union’s assistance is the only way. Finally, in the context of the fight against the pandemic, Mr. Dendias announced the supply of vaccines to the Gambia.
The above issues were also discussed with Gabonese Foreign Minister Pacome Moubelet Boubeya, a country that will be a member of the Security Council in 2022-23. Issues such as the effects of climate change on global security and Greece’s participation in the French-speaking world were also thoroughly examined. It is noted that the Foreign Minister also referred to the possibility of donating vaccines to Gabon, a proposal that was accepted very positively, as, as the Foreign Minister of Gabon stressed, it is the first proposal that his country accepts for donations of vaccines from a European country. Finally, there is a comment by the Gabonese Foreign Minister that African countries are open to cooperation with those countries that show relative interest.
The meeting with Costa Rican Foreign Minister Rodolfo Solano Quirós focused on the prospect of deepening bilateral relations with the accreditation of Ambassador in Athens. Also, the prospect of strengthening Greece’s relations with the Caribbean countries was discussed at length, both bilaterally and in a multilateral context (participation of Greece as an observer in regional organizations in the region). Both sides emphasized the commitment to International Maritime Law.
The meeting with the Cypriot Foreign Minister Nikos Christodoulidis was an opportunity to exchange views on the latest developments in both the Cyprus issue and the Eastern Mediterranean. Prospects for convening meetings in various multilateral groups, both with countries in the region and with the United States, were also discussed.
Finally, the Foreign Minister had a meeting with the President of the General Assembly and Foreign Minister of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid, where they discussed the effects of climate change and the pandemic, as well as the role of the UN in dealing with them. At the meeting, he also stressed the need to comply with international law, including the Law of the Sea, by all states, including Turkey. In this context, Mr. Dendias informed about the positions of our country, as well as about the Turkish delinquent behavior.
He noted meaningfully that, just opposite the United Nations building, the “Turkish house” was inaugurated today. He added, however, that Turkey, which is being “cut” for its image in the UN by the construction of an imposing building, continues to blatantly violate the UN Charter by launching a threat of war against Greece, if it enforces the legal right to expand of water.
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
![ot.gr](/wp-content/themes/whsk_otgr/common/imgs/fav.ico/favicon-32x32.png)
Latest News
![Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024-07-16T110250Z_1107936467_RC2BW8AZP0U4_RTRMADP_5_EU-PARLIAMENT-2048x1366-1-600x400.jpg)
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
![ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/epixeiriseis_2-600x414.jpg)
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
![Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olp1-scaled-1-2048x1312-1-600x384.jpg)
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
![Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/power-lines-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
![ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ot_georg_PROIONTA_money-1-600x352.png)
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
![Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/blackout-1-600x457.png)
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
![Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/ploio-600x400.jpg)
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year
![Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/euros-2048x1365-1-600x400.jpg)
Scope Affirms Greece’s BBB- Ratings; Revises Outlook to Positive
The international ratings firm raised Greece to investment grade in early August 2023
![First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/hellenic-seaplanes-pilotikes-ptiseis-ydatino-pedio-lavriou-600x450.jpeg)
First Seaplane Test Flights to Skopelos, Alonissos, Skyros
After decades of on-again, off-again efforts to schedule regular seaplane routes to Greece's numerous island and coastal destinations the prospect now appears within sight
![ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y](https://www.ot.gr/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/unnamed-41.jpg)
ELSTAT- Overall Import Price Index for May 2024 up 2.8% y-o-y
The same price index had decreased 20.8% from May 2022 to May 2023