Former Greek Foreign Minister Petros Molyviatis passed away on Sunday, May 4th, at the age of 97.
He had been facing serious health issues over the past six months, mainly respiratory-related, and had been hospitalized multiple times.
Born on June 12, 1928, in Chios, Molyviatis was a seasoned politician and diplomat. His mother, Agapi, was the sister of renowned author Elias Venezis and originally from Ayvalik, Asia Minor.
A Long and Distinguished Career
Petros Molyviatis was a close associate of Prime Minister and President of the Republic Constantine Karamanlis. He served as Foreign Minister of Greece three times (2004–2006, 2012, and 2015), Director of the Prime Minister’s Political Office (1974–1980), Secretary General of the Presidency (1980–1985 and 1990–1995), and as a Member of Parliament on New Democracy’s nationwide list (1996–2004). Since 1983, he was lifetime president of the board of the “Konstantinos Karamanlis Foundation”.
His passing leaves a significant void in Greek political life. Molyviatis played a crucial role in shaping Greek-Turkish diplomacy, the Cyprus question, and the country’s European trajectory.
He was married to Niovi Christaki, with whom he had two children—a daughter and a son. His daughter Lora was married to businessman and banker Stelios Panagopoulos, a former head of the National Bank of Greece and MEP for PASOK.
Diplomatic Service
A graduate of law from the University of Athens, Molyviatis pursued a diplomatic career, holding critical posts in the UN (New York), NATO (Brussels), and Greek embassies in Moscow, Ankara, and Pretoria.
From 1974 to 1980, he served as Director of Prime Minister Karamanlis’ Political Office, and later as Secretary General of the Presidency in two separate terms. In 2004, under the first Karamanlis government, he became Foreign Minister, a position he held until February 14, 2006.
In May 2012, he again assumed the Foreign Ministry role in Panagiotis Pikrammenos’ caretaker government, and in August 2015, he briefly returned to the post in Vassiliki Thanou-Christophilou’s caretaker administration.
His Proposal on the Macedonia Naming Dispute
In April 2005, Molyviatis and then-Prime Minister Karamanlis sent six letters to EU leaders and US President George W. Bush, proposing a resolution to the Macedonia naming dispute. The suggested solution was the use of a dual name: “Republic of Macedonia–Skopje” for international use, while allowing the constitutional name “Republic of Macedonia” to remain domestically, without requiring a constitutional amendment.
Tributes and Condolences
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his statement:
“Greece, New Democracy, and all who knew him bid farewell with respect to Petros Molyviatis—a figure who left his mark on Greek diplomacy. He accompanied the evolution of the center-right for decades. He served the country with dignity, restraint, and a spirit of unity. A worthy Greek passes into history. My sincere condolences to his family.”
Former Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis also expressed deep sorrow:
“With grief, respect, and gratitude, I bid farewell to Petros Molyviatis. Greece loses a great man, a true patriot who dedicated his life to defending national interests. From his diplomatic career to his role as Foreign Minister, he displayed wisdom, moderation, and integrity. I personally lose someone very dear to me. My heartfelt condolences to his beloved children, Giorgos and Lora, and his grandchildren.”
Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis wrote:
“A nobleman has left us. Petros Molyviatis was a distinguished Greek who honored the nation as a diplomat, as head of Karamanlis’ office, and as Foreign Minister. He always stood out and gave to the homeland. We bid him farewell with respect.”
Έφυγε ένας ευπατρίδης! Ο Πέτρος Μολυβιάτης ήταν ένας ξεχωριστός Έλληνας! Τίμησε την Ελλάδα ως διπλωμάτης, ως διευθυντής του γραφείου του Κωνσταντίνου Καραμανλή, ως Υπουργός Εξωτερικών. Παντού διακρίθηκε, παντού προσέφερε στην πατρίδα. Τον αποχαιρετούμε με σεβασμό! Συλλυπητήρια… pic.twitter.com/PdD9DQ8umf
— Kostis Hatzidakis (@K_Hatzidakis) May 4, 2025
Minister Adonis Georgiadis posted:
“With the death of Petros Molyviatis, Greece is poorer today. My sincere condolences to his family for this great loss. It was a great honor to have met him.”
Andreas Loverdos, former minister, noted:
“I bid farewell with respect to Petros Molyviatis, a highly experienced and kind diplomat and politician. We collaborated both before and after his tenure as Foreign Minister. I will always remember him with deep appreciation. My sincere condolences to his loved ones.”
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