Mr Mitsotakis to French senators: Greece-France defense agreement ‘aligns’ our bilateral relations

The “very close cooperation in the defense sector” based on the broad understanding regarding security in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region, was one of the objects of the meeting of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis this morning, with a delegation of the French Senate visiting our country. , under its chairman, Gerard Larcé.

Mr. Mitsotakis emphasized the strategic importance of the region, among others, as a logistics hub to meet the energy needs of the European Union.

The Prime Minister also referred to the government’s reform work, which he said he insisted on, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus, and the broader reorganization of the economic climate in order to further strengthen Greece’s position as an investment destination.

Also during the meeting was reviewed the bilateral relations, which are at an excellent level, with emphasis on the prospects of deepening them at all levels.

The Prime Minister praised the Greek-French agreement and stressed, among other things, to the French senators:

“I believe that the Strategic Partnership agreement we signed with President Macron puts our bilateral relations at a level that is in line with the depth of our historic relationship.”

For his part, Mr. Larse underlined his country’s will to strengthen the Greek-French partnership.

“We want, together with the Parliament (of the Greeks), to strengthen our partnership,” he said.

The two sides discussed the pillars of the French Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2022, which include strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis pointed out that the Greek-French cooperation on the one hand strengthens the capabilities of NATO and at the same time can be a basis for strengthening the strategic autonomy of the Old Epirus.

The Prime Minister also pointed out that France is a very important economic partner, which is one of the leading investors in Greece. He mentioned the fact that the French companies did not withdraw from our country during the crisis and that today there is a great interest for the increase of the French investments in Greece.

Mr. Mitsotakis informed Mr. Larse about the Greek-Turkish relations and the Cyprus issue, emphasizing that the proposal for two states is in no way a basis for any dialogue.

Referring to the European perspective of the Western Balkans, he stressed that the accession process should begin as soon as possible, adding that otherwise other forces will try to displace the EU footprint in the region.

Mr. Larse told Mr. Mitsotakis that the Senate delegation will also visit Chios, where he will see the accommodation of asylum seekers, with the Prime Minister pointing out:

“You will see the progress we have made, which is very important. You will see that the situation has not only changed in terms of numbers but also that we are now able to host these people in decent conditions.”

From the Greek side, the director of the Diplomatic Office of the Prime Minister, Ambassador Eleni Sourani, also took part in the meeting.

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Source From: Capital

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