By Gifts Antoniou

Messages with many recipients were erected yesterday by Athens on the occasion of the meetings of the Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, and the Minister of National Defense, Nikos Dendia, with the Minister of Armed Forces of France, France, France, Minister of National Defense. Sebastian.

Mr Mitsotakis essentially set the framework within which Athens will move in discussions about the common European defense, given the interest of Ankara for the Turkish Defense Industry involved in the equipment programs that will be decided.

“The goal is to strengthen, as a union, our level of readiness 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, with no exception. “ The prime minister underlined. The conversation with the French Defense Minister was the reason for Athens to formulate the context that the Greek side expects to be respected by European partners, as the issue concerns national security issues. And obviously the government looks forward to supporting France. Hence the prime minister’s reference that jointly with French President Emmanuel Macron have worked to achieve EU strategic autonomy.

Even clearer in terms of consciousness with France was Nikos Dendias: “Greece appreciates France’s significant contribution to the consultations and also to the leadership position that France can have to create a common European environment as we agree that we need to reduce our dependencies by third parties.

And we also have to limit funding to these third parties, and I am referring to those who act in a doubtful way of the strategic interests of our country, ” emphasized and added that “We have agreed to coordinate our efforts and our thoughts with France to encourage Member States’ investments.”

And the Minister of Defense for his part has set the framework within which Athens will move in the negotiations: “In view of the forthcoming negotiations, the interests of the security of all European Union (EU) states (EU) must be fully respected. There must be clear eligibility criteria. We believe in both quality and quantitative criterion. That is, on the one hand, the cooperation will include partners that share the principles and values ​​of the EU and quantitatively fulfill at least a minimum of compliance with common foreign policy and security policy (KEPPA) » said.

Mr Dendias also made two reports on the issue of the energy connection cable. “In the eastern Mediterranean and further, France has been a protector of Greece and we deeply appreciate your continued support for defending our territorial integrity as well as to promote the stability of the region. Together, we can continue to build a future stronger, more confident and more prosperous » He stressed after the meeting with his French counterpart at the Ministry of National Defense. And shortly thereafter, from the frigate “ALSACE” he emphasized that “France is a force that respects international law. It respects the international law of the sea, has a predominant role, it is the only nuclear power of the EU, our common European family. And France’s support for any threat is facing Greece is a very important element for us. ”