Minister of Foreign Affairs Nikos Dendias’ statement to journalists following his visit to Italy (Venice) and San Marino (16.01.2023)

I have just concluded my visit to San Marino, the first ever visit by a Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs in the country’s history.  It was a useful visit as we had the opportunity to exchange views on a number of issues, whether on political consultations, for which I have signed the relevant memorandum, or on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I would like to recall that San Marino has imposed exactly the same sanctions as the European Union because San Marino has a very clear position on the issues of territorial integrity, independence and non-use of force.

Aside from that, it was particularly gratifying today as I was handed the Note Verbale on the basis of which San Marino pledged to vote in favour of Greece in our effort to be elected to the United Nations Security Council.

Before arriving in San Marino, I had visited Venice, the Institute of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Studies, which houses a huge Greek library, very important for the history of our country and the Ionian Islands, and also a large number of Byzantine and Post-Byzantine icons, particularly important. In this regard, I had the opportunity to meet with the Institute ‘s Administration and to be received by His Eminence Metropolitan Polycarp, with whom we discussed how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which supervises the Institute, could facilitate its further development.