Despite the improvement of Greece-Germany relations at the center of the political agenda, the migratory, the Eurofighters and the freedom of the press in Greece were found. At today’s joint press conference Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Friedrich Mertz have confirmed the good relations between the Greek and the good. During the difficult years of the economic crisis and trying to find a common gait in the new, complex challenges of the time – from common defense and migratory, to Ukraine’s support.

‘We discuss despite disagreements’ in migration

Focusing on the big problem of migration management, German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis did not hide that although they understand the challenges faced by both states, there are still some disagreements over the migration.

For Chancellor Mertz, guarding the EU external borders is of great importance. Because Europe’s external borders not only belong to the state whose territory is defined, but are at the same time “our European borders,” Mertz said. At the same time, however, the new German Chancellor added that “secondary immigration from Greece to Germany must be reduced and returns to increase”. However, the problem can only be resolved “if we strictly limit migration”.

Prime Minister Mitsotakis said, for his part, that “Germany perceives the challenges” and that Chancellor Mertz recognizes on the one hand “how difficult it is for a country to the forefront of the migrant crisis”, on the other hand “trying to protect our nationals”. The Greek prime minister also expressed his conviction of strengthening Greek -German cooperation in migration, furthering further that “border guarding should be placed on” guarding the border, […] as well as the implementation of the returns of those who have entered the European continent without being entitled to asylum. ” Finally, the Greek Prime Minister admitted that ‘we have not agreed [με τη γερμανική κυβέρνηση] On all issues “, however,” in a good mood and through a framework for cooperation with our relevant ministries, I believe that we will come up with solutions that will be mutually beneficial “.

Eurofighter: Mitsotaki Remembrance to Mertz

Asked about Eurofighter, the Greek Prime Minister commented that “it is not the job of a guest prime minister […] To indicate how Germany will make sales of weapons systems. “

At the same time, however, Mitsotakis said that “I believe there is an understanding of the need for such sales, but also possible defense partnerships, to meet certain basic conditions. And these conditions are that the third countries that want to be defensively associated with Europe should show a high compliance with Europe’s common foreign policy and policy – and, and why not sign a defensive cooperation agreement with the EU.

[…] This is logical that the Chancellor understands, and I believe that we will have the opportunity to deepen this debate and specializing in the relevant Safe regulation when discussed at the level of the competent ministers, “the Greek prime minister continued.

In Greece there is “absolute freedom of expression”

Finally, in a question of DW about whether the freedom of the press in Greece is protected, Kyriakos Mitsotakis said that “Greece is a democracy that works very well. And the final judge of the rule of law in our country can be no more than the European Commission. ” He is also “very strange” that in some rankings regarding the freedom of the press from various NGOs, Greece “is under African countries, which are not particularly distinguished for their democratic reflexes”.

“In Greece anyone can say and write whatever they want,” the prime minister said, adding that “there is absolute freedom of expression – and I also assure you that the criticism of my government, as it is in any democracy, is very intense and we are very intense, and we accept that it is a part of it.”