Greece and Italy ratified agreement on maritime boundaries

Greece and Italy completed on Monday the approval of a maritime boundary agreement defining an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) between the two countries.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and his Italian counterpart Luigi Di Maio met on Monday in Rome to exchange so-called “instruments of ratification” – a procedure by which each country notifies the other that it has completed the internal constitutional process to approve and implement a deal …

Agreement, signed in June 2020 in Athens, is a continuation of the 1977 agreement that paves the way for the exploration and exploitation of marine resources for Greece and Italy.

In joint statements following the exchange, which allows the implementation of the agreement to begin, Dendias said: “This symbolic act is extremely significant. It concludes an issue that has remained unresolved for 45 years and showcases our exemplary relationship with Italy both within the EU … and bilaterally. We have close ties covering the entire spectrum: trade, investment, as Italy occupies one of the most important positions in the Greek market. We have achieved a lot, but we can achieve even more in sectors such as tourism, culture and education, where we work closely together. “

Dendias noted that cooperation between Greece and Italy is “not news,” but “something that needs to happen between two neighboring friendly countries,” and that the exchange of instruments also demonstrated the two countries’ respect for international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Maritime law (UNCLOS).

Commenting on the actions and provocations of Turkey, Dendias said that he informed his Italian counterpart that Turkey continues its illegal actions in the Eastern Mediterranean and violates the fundamental principles of international law. “He continues to threaten Greece. Casus belli, the threat of war against Greece continues to apply to Turkey. It is the only country in the world that has come up with the threat of war against another country. He also issues threats against the Republic of Cyprus. This applies not only to Greece and Cyprus, but to the entire family of the European Union, including Italy, ”added Dendias.

For his part, Di Maio said that he and Dendias discussed a range of issues, from bilateral relations with neighboring southern countries, economic issues and energy issues.

He said that the exchange of instruments of ratification is “an act that signals the beginning of its action at the international level.”

“This is a great success for both countries and very important for cooperation in the Mediterranean, which we want to become an example and guide for the future,” said Di Maio.

He added that “bilateral visits and close contacts prove the strong friendship and fruitful cooperation between our countries, which have excellent relations and close cooperation with regard to international dossiers, starting with the European agenda.”

Di Maio said he reiterated to Dendias the importance of supporting the political process in Libya and the immediate withdrawal of mercenary troops and foreign fighters, hinting at Turkey.

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