K. Mitsotakis: Russia is blatantly violating International Law

In a very warm atmosphere, which reflects the excellent, strategic relations between the two countries, the meeting of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis took place at the Maximos Palace with the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, who is officially visiting our country for the first time as President of his State. Israel.

The two leaders exchanged views on bilateral political, defense and economic relations, the progress of tripartite cooperation schemes and general developments in the region, as well as on issues of particular interest to Greece and Israel.

Mr Mitsotakis and Mr Herzog also exchanged views on the Russian attack on Ukraine. The Prime Minister reiterated that Greece respects and supports the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and that it is in full coordination with its EU partners and NATO allies for a decisive response to the Russian attack.

At the same time, Kyriakos Mitsotakis informed the Israeli President about the escalation of the Turkish provocation in the Eastern Mediterranean and about the moves of our country to face it.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Prime Minister and the President of Israel had the following dialogue:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Welcome to Athens, Mr. President. We have the pleasure of welcoming a true friend of Greece. It is an honor and a privilege to have you in our country. Unfortunately, your visit coincides with an unprecedented attack by Russia, which violates the sovereignty of Ukraine and which we strongly condemn. What needs to happen is an immediate end to hostilities, the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory, and full respect for its sovereignty.

This is a blatant and unprovoked violation of international law, which we in Greece, as well as the entire European family, unequivocally condemn. Today – as you know – the European Council will hold an extraordinary meeting, where we are expected to adopt very strict measures, sanctions. This is not just about Ukraine, it is about destabilizing the whole European geopolitical order. It is, after all, about protecting freedom.

We will stand united in defending our values, and I am confident that allies around the world, not just the European Union, NATO, will send a clear and unequivocal message.

It is a pity that you are here under these conditions. But I would like to note that, as far as our bilateral relations are concerned, they are constantly being strengthened. This is something we have discussed many times. I attach great value to this relationship. And I would like to mention that – as we both come from political families – that my late father formally recognized the state of Israel in April 1990, with his first foreign policy decision, thus restoring a historic injustice on her part. Of Greece.

Once again, welcome.

Isaac Herzog: First of all, Mr. Prime Minister, I know the challenges you face and that your program is really overloaded with a huge global challenge. Like you, I am very upset and very worried about the humanitarian crisis and the tragedy that will threaten so many innocent people.

And like you, I pray and invite all interested parties to sit down at the table and enter into negotiations. The Government of Israel fully supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine. And we are also concerned about the Jewish community in Ukraine and the Israelis in Ukraine. And I hope that your consultations will be successful.

You have been my personal friend for many years and I was really moved when we met and exchanged photos from the meeting between my father and yours after your father’s historic decision to recognize the state of Israel, something that has been pending for a long time.

Since then, our relationship has progressed productively. And today we are full partners and strategic allies. And the relationship between Israel and Greece is strengthening in many areas. I can tell you that the plane I arrived in (your country) was suffocatingly full, with both businessmen and Israeli tourists just wanting to come and visit your wonderful country.

And I follow closely your great success, in the financial field and in so many other fields. We can share our know-how and experience in tackling climate change, regional security and so many other issues.

And my message to the whole region, especially to this region, is that all nations and all religions, Christians, Jews and of course Muslims, can coexist in peace and prosperity.
And clearly the current crisis shows that we must all be together and work together on the goals of improvement for humanity and living conditions for all, especially for our nations.
I am, therefore, here to express my deep friendship and respect for Greece and your leadership, and I hope that together this message will have a corresponding impact on the great relations between our peoples.

Thank you, Mr President. ”