Greece ramps up diplomacy with UN Secretary-General candidates ahead of Security Council presidency

In the run-up to the end of Antonio Guterres' term, Greece is intensifying outreach to the seven declared contenders for the UN Secretary-General post. Mitsotakis spoke by phone with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, while Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis hosted Uganda’s candidate Olara Otunnu and previously met representatives from Guyana, Ecuador and former Senegalese President Macky Sall. The meetings underscore Greece’s focus on UN reform, maritime security, child protection in conflict zones and the Women, Peace and Security agenda that will dominate its Security Council presidency in October.

Both Greece and Cyprus are refraining from publicly backing any candidate, a stance shaped by positions on the Cyprus issue and international law. The informal straw poll among Security Council members will finish by November, with the final selection expected shortly thereafter.