N. Dendias: Let other EU member states follow the example of France – Do not equip countries that threaten war

“A clear message” that other EU member states should follow the example of France and not equip countries that threaten war with other countries, especially the EU “, he sent after his meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian. Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias. “Eastern Mediterranean region, and of course countries that do not accept the European acquis, either UNCLOS and the International Law of the Sea, or are candidate countries to join our common European home, the EU,” said Nikos Dendias.

Furthermore, the Foreign Minister, after pointing out that Greece is a country that promotes regional stability, focused on the “exceptionally long-standing relations” between Greece and France, making special reference to the Strategic Partnership Agreement. It is the culmination of bilateral relations, he stressed, and stood by the mutual defense assistance clause, combined with the acquisition of French state-of-the-art weapons systems, such as the new Belhara frigates and Raffale aircraft, “which create a deterrent force against anyone.” He also noted that the agreement provides for close coordination of the two countries on foreign policy issues and added that their meeting today is an implementation of this condition. In particular, he said that they discussed and examined the common challenges and characterized that it is very important that there is a coincidence of views between them.

He also said that the agreement with France does not threaten anyone, it is not directed against anyone.

In addition, the two Foreign Ministers discussed the EU and the forthcoming French Presidency and its priorities. In this context, Nikos Dendias assured his French counterpart that Greece will make every effort to achieve the French presidency and that it is helping to promote the triptych: restart, power, integration. In this regard, he said that Greece will contribute to the deepening of European integration, through the development of European defense, which is fully compatible with our NATO commitments, he underlined.

Afterwards, Nikos Dendias and Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed the particularly worrying situation in the Sahel and the risk of instability spreading to the wider region. “Greece shares France ‘s concerns about the Sahel and is now closely following these developments, through our new embassy in Senegal,” said Nikos Dendias.

In addition, they discussed issues related to sub-Saharan Africa, with the Foreign Minister recalling that a few days ago he made his first trip to a country in the region, Rwanda. He added that this trip was made by a French aircraft. He also expressed Greece’s desire to strengthen its relations with African countries and said that next week it will go to Gabon and Ghana, where Greece will donate vaccines.

At this point, Nikos Dendias pointed out that Greece has a constant coordination with France on issues concerning Africa.

Regarding the developments in the Western Balkans, the Foreign Minister said that “I am sorry to say that we are not calm” and stated that “they agreed to give them a clear message about their European perspective”. He reiterated that Greece is in favor of accession negotiations with Albania and Northern Macedonia before the end of the year.

As for Libya, Nikos Dendias thanked the French Foreign Minister for inviting Greece “to the very successful Paris Conference”. He added that conclusions had been adopted which should be implemented for the benefit of Libya and Libyan society.

Finally, the two Foreign Ministers had a detailed discussion on the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on security and stability issues. Besides, these issues will be discussed in the context of the forthcoming quadripartite meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Greece, France, Egypt and Cyprus.

Source: AMPE