Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday the European Union and the United States can reach a “win-win” trade deal that is “mutually beneficial” for both.
In an interview with US alt-right website Breitbart News, Mitsotakis expressed the view that “at the end of the day, Europe and the European market are very important for the US, and the US is important for Europe and we must find a solution.”
“There is a European message and then there is a Greek message,” reportedly said.
“On the European front there is a possibility of finding a win-win solution when it comes to trade, a solution which will be mutually beneficial. Τhis was my firm belief from the beginning, before tariffs were announced. There is still room for negotiations before we consider any major reciprocal response beyond what has been announced today, which, anyhow, was, the expected EU reaction. I think, at the end of the day, Europe and the European market is very important for the US and US is important for Europe and we need to work out a solution.”
Asked about Greek-US relations, the premier said that Greece has a strategic partnership with the US.
The Greek PM also mentioned the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC), pointing out that Greece can serve as a bridge between the largest democracy of the world and the strongest democracy. He had a good working relationship with President Trump in the past and could work very well today also to resolve regional challenges, he added.
The Greek PM also explained his government’s “tough but fair” policy on migration.
The interview which took place in Mitsotakis’ office came after Trump hit the European Union with a 20% tariff, to which the bloc responded on Wednesday with retaliatory tariffs of 25% on US goods, worth €22 billion.
PS why should a Greek Premier give an interview to a US website known for its far-right content, conspiracy theories and intentionally misleading stories? Ah, “because President Trump reads Breitbart News first thing in the morning before checking the other media,” a Greek TV channel said.🙄
Is Mitsotakis’ message the reason, President Trump announced a “90 day tariff PAUSE” on several countries, except China, short before Wednesday noon (local US time)?
Trump is a bully and America under Trump has proven itself to be unreliable. Trump blinked and reverted the tariffs to 10% for 90 days. The EU should stay the course with counter tariffs and not go below 10% either. Trump blinked because US Bonds got hammered with increased yields. Bonds suffered at the expense of him and his business partners making billions with first dumping stocks and them buying them up again when they were low. Tax payers vs. big business. This reeks of market manipulation.
Trump now wants the dust to settle but he can’t be trusted. He will try again in 90s days.