Important bilateral, regional, European and global issues are expected to be at the center of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit today and tomorrow to London, the first post-Brexit working visit. In today’s meeting with the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Boris Johnson (15:15 local time) in Downing Street, the Greek Prime Minister will attempt with his British counterpart an overview of bilateral relations, with emphasis on economic and trade relations, investments , tourism in view of 2022, but mainly the joint finding of ways to further deepen the relations between Greece and Great Britain in the above sectors.
Besides, as Mr. Mitsotakis himself pointed out in his interview with the British newspaper “The Telegraph” a few days ago, the situation seems favorable to underline the dynamism of the Greek economy, but also to consolidate that “Greece is not only a destination for tourism. , it is also for investments “.
It is noted that during his visit Kyriakos Mitsotakis will still have meetings with investors and representatives of the Association of British Industrialists, while he will participate in an event for the Greeks of the Diaspora.
An important issue in his four-on-four meeting with Mr. Johnson will be for Mr. Mitsotakis the restoration, on the part of our country, of the request at the highest level for the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, so that the monument can be restored in its entirety. at the Acropolis Museum, as evidenced by his speech last Friday from the UNESCO podium. In fact, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will note, according to government sources, that this issue concerns the two governments and that it must be discussed honestly. He will stress, however, that the British government should enter into a good faith dialogue with Greece for the return of the Sculptures to Greece.
Government sources refer to the UNESCO decision last September, citing a particularly positive development, as it recognizes for the first time the transnational nature of the dispute in contrast to London’s firm position that the Sculptures are an issue between the Museums.
In particular, last September, for the first time in its history, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Commission for the Return of Cultural Property (ICPRCP) issued a decision on the return of the Parthenon Sculptures, highlighting the intergovernmental nature of the dispute and deconstructing it. for an issue between museums. She even expressed her dissatisfaction with the fact that its resolution remains pending due to the attitude of the United Kingdom. He urged the United Kingdom to reconsider its position and enter into a dialogue of good faith with Greece.
However, the Mitsotakis-Johnson meeting will also send European messages, as it takes place at a critical time for the Euro-British dialogue over the settlement of important issues in the background of Brexit. In fact, Mitsotakis’ presence in London – the Greek prime minister had before leaving for the British capital – communications with both the Prime Minister of Ireland Michal Martin and with the President of the Commission Ursula von der Layen and the President of the European Council Charlemagne the will of Brussels for the need to overcome the difficulties and to secure Euro-British relations on the basis of the relevant agreements. Government sources note that Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the first European leader to visit London in the midst of this situation and, as they say, he will convey the common European line and the full solidarity of Greece with its partners and Ireland in the relevant discussions that are underway. in progress and concern the Northern Ireland Protocol.
In addition, during his meeting on Downing Street, Mr. Mitsotakis is expected to raise the issue of Turkish aggression in the Eastern Mediterranean with his British counterpart, while the latest developments regarding Libya and the election timetable are expected to be discussed.
In addition, Mr. Mitsotakis is expected to express to his interlocutor his appreciation for the efforts of both himself and his associates in order to conclude the recent COP26 Conference in Glasgow with a substantial result.
At 07.35 (local time) the Prime Minister will give an interview to the ITV network and the show “Good Morning Britain” and in the afternoon the Prime Minister will address the opening of the exhibition “Ancient Greeks: Science and Wisdom” at the Science Museum. During his visit he will have meetings with important opinion makers and representatives of the British media. On Wednesday, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will have successive meetings with representatives of the business community and investment companies.
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