“I know you became prime minister only a few weeks ago, but that the relationship of our countries is very important to you,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in statements welcoming Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to the Elysee Palace in Paris on Thursday.
“When Greece was in crisis, France’s support was important. This does not take away the great courage shown by the Greek people and their decision to remain in the eurozone,” Macron added.
The French president spoke of “a long friendship based on culture” and emphasized that France believes in a unified front at EU level to face joint challenges. The new strategic agenda for Europe will be discussed as soon as the new European Commission convenes, he said, noting that its priorities should be growth, fighting unemployment, and a common eurozone budget.
France wants to strengthen defense, he said, adding that “I want to express our solidarity in terms of Turkey’s activities in Cyprus’ EEZ” and he called for more collaboration on this issue. He also raised the issue of climate change, referring to fires in Greece this summer, and said “the issue of the climate will be at the forefront” in Europe.
He reiterated his pleasure at Mitsotakis’ visit to Paris, saying that “my friendship towards your country and the Greece people, a friendship that is important for Europe and for everyone’s future.”
On his part, Mitsotakis extended an invitation to French business owners to join Greece’s development push. He said that in a new European landscape Europe should protect its citizens, and reiterated President Macron’s request that a permanent civil protection mechanism be set up in the EU.
“France is a stable friend of Greece,” he said, and “Greece claims its stake in Europe, which remains our natural home,” the Greek PM said following welcoming statements by Macron.[amna]
PS Mitsotakis visited the Elysee Palace accompanied by his wife who thought she was visiting Paris in November and she needed Greek haute couture, Obelix-style….
I’m afraid French fashionistas may now push for Grexit but for other reasons than economic ones.
