The EU’s cooperation with third countries in the defense cannot be opposed to the strategic interests of the EU and European decisions on foreign policy and defense, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stressed during today’s meeting with the French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastian.

The prime minister emphasized that “the security interests of all EU member states should be taken into account, in accordance with the decisions of the European Council”.

During the meeting the discussion was discussed Greece -France Defense Cooperation and the prospects of further reinforcement, as well as the latest developments related to European Defense and the European Defense Industryfollowing the presentation by the European Commission of the Rearm Europe Program.

In this context, views on the strengthening of European collective defense and European strategic autonomy, as well as regional and international developments, were exchanged.

At the start of the meeting, the Prime Minister and the French Minister of Armed Forces had the following dialogue:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: “Mr Minister, I would like to welcome you warmly to Athens. France is one of the closest partners in Greece. In the areas of defense and security we have established a very important strategic partnership, constantly deepening.

I understand that you had a very good discussion with Minister Dendia. It is obvious that your visit is of great importance, also because defense cooperation is today at the top of the European Union agenda.

Our two countries consider that the Rearm plan It offers a solid basis for achieving the strategic autonomy of the European Union. It is a goal for which we have worked together, from the beginning, with President Macron. The aim is to strengthen, as a union, our level of preparedness and the potential of our defense industry, to reduce our dependencies and not to maintain them.

In particular, we need to reduce our dependence on countries that act in a way that is contrary to the strategic interests of the European Union. And we must protect the national security and defense interests of all Member States, without any exception.

Dear Minister, thank you again for your visit. ”

Sébastien lecornu: “Thank you, Mr Prime Minister, for your hospitality, every time I come to Athens you care and dedicate me part of your time.

Always taking into account the quality of cooperation, professional and personal you maintain with President Macron, you do not need ministers to make progress in both. It’s the least we can say.

In any case, we had a very good working meeting this morning with your own Minister of Defense, we apparently examined business issues, attitudes. Thank you for how Greece welcomed the attitudes of our ships, in a country where our Navy is making more stops, including obviously the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier and the escort team.

We also took the opportunity, this morning, to discuss the situation in Lebanon, the situation in the Balkans, the situation in the Black Sea, apparently the security issues in the Eastern Mediterranean, and in addition, the strengthening of our defense, through the various initiatives you take around by the Rear and the Different Rades. And in order to keep a continuation of the shipping sector, because it is obviously an area in which Greece is a leader and a privileged partner. Thank you again, Mr Prime Minister. “