The geostrategic importance of the port of Alexandroupoli was underlined by the French ambassador to Greece, Patrick Maisonnave, once again from the unspoiled city.

From the French frigate FREMM Languedoc, of the French navy, which docked yesterday in the port of the capital of Evros, the French ambassador told APE-MPE that it constitutes (including the berth of the frigate) another aspect of the Greek-French defense cooperation and is assessed as very important.

Expressing his satisfaction at visiting Alexandroupolis for the second time within a few weeks, he described the city as a very important port. He noted that its proximity to the Straits gives it a particularly strategic role, especially today due to the war in Ukraine. A war that, as he said, is very close to us and the presence of France here shows its support and solidarity.

Recognizing the difficulty and complexity of Greece’s complex role, he estimates that through the presence of the French navy in Alexandroupoli, another opportunity is given to prove France’s support for Greece, a country that the French, as he characteristically mentioned, love very much.

“Cooperation with Greece and the navy is very important”

The role of Alexandroupolis and the importance of Greek-French cooperation, and especially between the naval forces of the two countries, was praised by the captain of the French frigate Claire Pothier. In support of the good cooperation, he referred to the more than 30 moorings of French vessels in other regions of the country, mainly in southern Greece, characterizing the inclusion of northern Greece in the French naval stations as very important.

Regarding the frigate FREMM Languedoc, he clarified that it is one of three multi-mission frigates, which has been operating in the Eastern Mediterranean for the last month. It participates in operations both for France and allied countries around the world, having assistance either within the framework of NATO or within the framework of the European Union.

It is noted that the French ambassador was accompanied by the defense attaché of the French Embassy in Athens, Olivier Madiot.

In the meantime, in a post on social media, the president of the Port Authority, Kostas Hatzimichael, says: “Within the framework of the strategic partnership between Greece and France in Defense and Security and the safeguarding of common interests in the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe, we welcome to the port Alexandroupolis the FREMM Frigate FS Languedoc of the French Navy”.