Clear messages to Turkey on Greek-Turkish relations, particular emphasis on the Cyprus issue, as well as extensive reference to the challenges created by the rapid development of Artificial Intelligence will feature in Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s speech tonight at the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Prime Minister will underline that dialogue between Greece and Turkey must continue, but on the basis of respect for International Law and the principles of good neighbourly relations.

In this context, he will stress that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) constitutes the only institutional framework for resolving the sole longstanding dispute between the two countries, which concerns the delimitation of the continental shelf and EEZ.

At the same time, he will emphasise that meaningful dialogue cannot coexist with unilateral actions that violate international legality, nor with threats of war over the exercise of lawful rights in accordance with International Law.

Emphasis on Cyprus and developments in the region

The Cyprus issue will have a prominent place in the Prime Minister’s speech. Kyriakos Mitsotakis will note that, 52 years after the Turkish invasion and the continued occupation of part of Cyprus, the issue remains a test of the credibility of the UN and the implementation of its own decisions.

He will also express Greece’s support for the UN Secretary-General’s efforts to resume substantive negotiations, with the aim of reunifying Cyprus.

The Prime Minister will also highlight Greece’s role as a pillar of stability and a bridge between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East, placing emphasis on the security of navigation, energy and new connectivity infrastructure.

In his speech, he will also refer to developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Ukraine and Sudan.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis will also present the course of the Greek economy and reforms as an example of how economic resilience can strengthen a country’s international position.

Specifically, he will refer to growth, investment, fiscal performance, the reduction of public debt and the digital transformation of the state, linking economic strength with defence and security.

Large part of speech devoted to Artificial Intelligence

The Prime Minister will devote a particularly large part of his speech at the General Assembly to Artificial Intelligence and the risks created by the speed at which it is developing.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis will warn that these risks cannot be addressed through voluntary self-regulation by the companies themselves and will place the need for a strong regulatory framework at the centre of his remarks.

He will address the United States in particular, where the leading Artificial Intelligence models are being developed, calling on it to assume the responsibility that comes with its position at the forefront.

At the same time, he will stress that international cooperation is required, including with China, to address a challenge that concerns all of humanity.