Mitsotakis at the UN: Talk to Turkey under International Law; Cyprus and AI take centre stage

Mitsotakis will stress that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is the sole institutional framework for resolving the longstanding dispute with Turkey over continental-shelf and exclusive economic zone (EEZ) delimitation. He will argue that meaningful diplomacy cannot coexist with unilateral actions that breach international legality or with threats of war over lawful rights.

The Cyprus issue is a prominent item. Mitsotakis will note that 52 years after Turkey's 1974 invasion and the continued occupation of part of the island, the matter remains a test of the UN's credibility and follow-through on its decisions. He will publicly back the UN Secretary-General's efforts to relaunch substantive talks aimed at reunification and present Greece as supportive of renewed negotiations.

Greece's regional role and other conflicts

The prime minister frames Greece as a pillar of stability and a bridge between Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Middle East. He will link that role to concrete priorities: secure navigation, energy safety, and new connectivity infrastructure. He will also refer to developments in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Libya, Ukraine, and Sudan to underline regional volatility and Greece's interest in stability.

Mitsotakis plans to highlight Greece's recent economic trajectory—growth, attracting investment, improved fiscal performance, lower public debt, and digital transformation of public administration. The purpose of that presentation is to show how economic resilience can strengthen Greece's international position and its defence and security capabilities.

Artificial intelligence: a central theme

A large portion of the speech will focus on the risks posed by the fast pace of AI development. Mitsotakis will argue that these risks cannot be managed by voluntary self-regulation alone. He will call for a strong regulatory framework and single out the United States, where leading AI models are developed, asking it to assume responsibility that comes with its position. He will also call for international cooperation—including engagement with China—because AI is a challenge that affects all countries.

What this means for diplomacy and policy

Expect a two-track message: firmness on legal principles with Turkey and an appeal for multilateral action on technology governance. For domestic and foreign audiences, Mitsotakis links Greece's economic reforms to its diplomatic leverage and defence posture. On AI, he positions Greece with policymakers pushing for binding international rules rather than relying on corporate restraint.

The speech aims to shape diplomatic pressure points: reinforce UNCLOS as the negotiating basis with Turkey, press for renewed UN-led Cyprus talks, and push the UN and leading states toward coordinated AI regulation. It signals Greece's intent to be visible on big geopolitical and technological questions rather than confine itself to regional issues.