Greece began its two-year term as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council on New Year’s Day, marking a historic moment for the nation’s diplomacy.

“Greece becomes, in practice, a co-producer of international policy for the global security architecture with a substantial voice, role and responsibility in global developments,” said Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis. He added that Greece seeks to act as a stabilizing force and a bridge between North and South, East and West.

The Greek flag now flies alongside those of the 15 current Council members, including four other new arrivals: Denmark, Somalia, Pakistan and Panama. Diplomatic sources call Greece’s tenure both a challenge and an opportunity to leverage its diplomatic capital in shaping decisions on global security.