M. Jean-Yves Le Drian, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, visited Greece today.
He had meetings with Prime Minister Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Greek Foreign Minister Mr Nikos Dendias. During his meetings, the Minister spoke of the relationship of trust between our two countries, illustrated by the signing of a strategic partnership on 28 September 2021. Jean-Yves Le Drian also reviewed the priority issues for the French presidency of the Council of the European Union (EU), which begins in January 2022, particularly the work under way regarding the Strategic Compass, a document that will help consolidate Europe's strategic culture and set the framework for the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy. Finally, the ministers discussed major current European issues, where France and Greece have the same ambition for a strong, sovereign and mutually-supportive Europe.
The Minister had a meeting with Ms Gianna Angelopoulos-Daskalaki, President of the ?Greece 2021? Committee, which coordinates the celebrations organized as part of the bicentenary of Greek independence. The Minister emphasized the deep ties of friendship and solidarity which have existed between the two countries for more than two centuries, based on the shared values of humanism and the fight for the emergence of a European ideal. Among other things, the anniversary is highlighted by the Louvre's exhibition, ?Paris-Athens, the Birth of Modern Greece?, inaugurated on 28 September 2021 in the presence of the French President and Greek Prime Minister.
Jean-Yves Le Drian took part in a meeting with his Greek, Cypriot and Egyptian counterparts, at which the ministers discussed issues of common interest, in particular the situation in Libya and Lebanon and the challenges in the eastern Mediterranean, such as energy and climate issues, migration and the COVID-19-related health crisis.