French Foreign Minister: Greece a key country for the defense and realization of European territorial sovereignty

The views of Greece and France are common on many regional issues, such as the situation in the Mediterranean, “where we must be constantly vigilant,” he said. joint statements with Nikos Dendias “We are very close to resolving issues, we have a real convergence of positions,” said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. in relation to European and regional challenges, so that through their own determination and through their common convergence they can advance and defend the sovereignty of Europe.

Stressing the importance of bilateral cooperation, he spoke of a strategic relationship and said it was a symbolic moment for its strength and at the same time crucial, “because we see what we want to do with Europe”. He even made it clear that “if we believe that Europe is our common future, it should be portrayed as a force for power.”

The French Foreign Minister placed special emphasis on the strategic relationship between the two countries, emphasizing that it is crucial and a new springboard.

Focusing in more detail on the bilateral relations of “friendship and trust” of France with Greece, he said that they are extremely strong and manifest at any level, either bilaterally, within the EU or within NATO. “We have strong ties. We have a common European conscience, but also a collective common memory,” he said, quoting French President Emmanuel Macron during a visit to Athens in September. “We are in the shadow of the imposing Acropolis. “Our democratic values ​​were born and it is the strongest symbol in the context of forging bilateral relations that have never been better in the past.”

Speaking about the importance of his visit to Athens today, he said he was very happy and agreed with Nikos Dendias that it has a symbolic dimension. “First of all, it is in the context of the celebrations of the 200th anniversary of the Greek Revolution and of course it coherently reflects on our strategic relationship, which we co-signed in Paris,” he explained.

With regard to the Cyprus issue, he expressed the hope that all parties could quickly resume negotiations within the framework set by the UN Security Council resolutions.

He also stressed that the situation in the Balkans requires great attention and quick initiatives.

He then referred to the Paris Conference on Libya held last week and to the presence of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, whom he had met earlier, and Nikos Dendias.

He further welcomed Greece’s policy on Africa. “I believe that Greece is committed to a policy of partnership with Africa, because this continent must gain its own territorial sovereignty. It must not be left in the hands of those who only want to help those who want to benefit from the weakening of some states. he said characteristically.

Referring to the French EU presidency starting on January 1st, he said he was here to hear from Greek partners about their own expectations “to prepare further”.

Jean-Yves Le Drian made special reference to the ongoing debate on the EU Strategic Compass. “We spoke to prepare the Union and the Member States together in the new geostrategic environment.”

Continuing along the same lines, he spoke of attempts to destabilize our “neighborhood”, which are becoming more and more numerous and repeated.

Stressing the importance of the Compass Strategy policy, he said it aimed to secure the EU. “It will have the means to defend its own sovereignty.”

In this context, the French Foreign Minister said that Greece is a key country for the defense and at the same time for the realization of European territorial sovereignty and underlining the importance of the Strategic Compass, said: “It is a strengthening of national sovereignty. We want to ensure our own freedom of action and especially with the disputed areas “.

Finally, Jean-Yves Le Drian confessed that he had been doing Ancient Greek for seven years.

Source: AMPE