MACRON AND MITSOTAKIS

 

 Greece receives the French president's backing over Turkey. The French leader said, "strategic partnership will not allow any unrest in the Mediterranean."

Amid the escalating tensions emanating from Ankara, French President, Emmanuel Macron, cited the strategic partnership agreement between Greece and France as a strong bulwark against any provocation in the wider region.

"This strategic partnership will not allow any unrest in the Eastern Mediterranean," Macron said in a joint statement at the Elyse Palace in Paris and Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who for his part stressed that both countries are stronger than ever.

"We fully support Greece's sovereignty," Macron said noting that full cooperation on foreign and defense policy and armament is now more important in the face of challenges."

Both underscored the solid foundations that are being formed in bilateral relations, but also the particular context that requires the EU to address the multidimensional challenges it faces. The bilateral ties are encapsulated by a strategic partnership between Greece and France, signed almost a year ago, with both leaders reaffirming their commitment to mutual support.  Mitsotakis also sent a message to Ankara from Paris in response to the Turkish leadership's repeated provocative statements.

"Those who say they will come in the night, we are waiting for them in the daylight where it is shown who has the right and true power on his side," he also stressed, also noting the arms agreement signed in Paris.

"The first Rafaeles are already flying in the skies, our first frigates are already built," Mitsotskis added.  The central focus was energy and common ground in the EU ahead of the Informal Council in Prague on the 6th and 7th of October.

"We agree on many issues, both on prices and on the need to multiply energy sources," said Macron while Mitsotakis talked about Athen's position, for many dynamic interventions in wholesale prices, and in favor and the direct decoupling of gas prices from electricity prices. The Greek Prime Minster noted the inability to establish regulations to support energy and also to ensure that individuals are not left vulnerable. 

Macron also thanked Greece for its help in dealing with the devastating fires that hit France, stressing the importance of the common European mechanism for civil protection and disaster responses.

The agenda of the meeting also included the war in Ukraine and the situation in Libya.