By Penelope Galliou
The Greek Prime Minister is discussing the fan of Greek positions Kyriakos Mitsotakisduring the crucial foursome that started at 22.30 Greek time, with the American president Joe Bidenat the White House.
With Greek-American relations at the best level of recent years, Kyriakos Mitsotakis will cross the threshold of the White House where he will be welcomed by the American President and then the two leaders will be transferred to the Oval Office to discuss the broad policy gridas it is shaped by the critical geopolitical conditions but also by the bilateral relations and the cooperation between Greece and the USA.
Watch videos from the Prime Minister’s meeting with the American President:
Both Joe Biden and Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in their first statements, referred to the discussions they will have on energy security, the Ukrainian issue and the relations between the two countries.
“We will talk about energy, the situation in Ukraine, climate change and security,” he said. . Greece is a pillar of stability in the Balkans and has recovered from the crisis. “We will talk about security in the wider region.”
The interview on the MSNBC network
Kyriakos Mitsotakis gave the stigma of the talks that will follow with the US President during his interview on his Morning Joe show among other things, he stressed that “Greece is obviously the most reliable partner that the United States of America currently has in a particularly turbulent part of the world. We will therefore discuss the strengthening of our bilateral cooperation strategy. Of course “We will discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and its implications for the European continent.”
In the same vein and referring to the escalating Turkish provocation, Kyriakos Mitsotakis during an open discussion he had with the journalist of the newspaper Washington PostDavid Ignatius, at Georgetown Universitysaid that the last thing NATO needs is another source of tension between Greece and Turkey, showing the strong annoyance of Athens and its intention to announce in all tones Ankara’s delinquency.
Greek-Turkish in the spotlight
The Turkish provocation after all, it has been recorded “high” in the agenda of the Greek prime minister who will put to the American president all the escalating delinquency of the neighbor, which is expected to be captured with specific facts and facts, as Kyriakos Mitsotakis is determined to speak even with specific numbers and figures. for the illegal overflights carried out by Turkish aircraft over Greek territory and the dangers that it poses for the security and stability of our country and the wider region, while the danger that is also under discussion is expected to be discussed. the NATO alliance from Turkish behavior. According to government sources, the Prime Minister will emphasize that Greece respects and abides by international law and this is demanded by the neighboring country so that there can be a constructive dialogue on the only difference concerning the maritime zones.
The F-35
The Greek Prime Minister is expected to put our country’s participation on the table in the F35 program, claiming at the same time the co-production of the 5th generation aircraft with the participation of the Hellenic Defense Industry. Something that will bring significant defensive and economic advantages, with the Greek side being optimistic about the outcome of the discussion. The defensive footprint will be even bigger if accompanied by the acquisition of F-35. The formalization of the interest for their inclusion in the Air Force fleet has been accompanied by all the necessary actions, while the law approved by the US Congress provides for the approval of fast delivery of any F-35 aircraft ordered by Greece.
Greece is an energy hub
However, because the goal of the Greek government is not “anti-Turkism”, the agenda will not be limited to Turkey’s attitudes but will have a broad horizon that mainly concerns the promotion of a positive agenda for the country and its strengthening in diplomatic and economic level. In this context, a substantive discussion is expected on bilateral issues in the context of the Greece-US strategic partnership and cooperation in the 3 + 1 format (Greece, Cyprus, Israel plus the US). There is a common interest in energy issues, with Greece seeking to become a hub for the transportation of natural gas and clean energy from the Middle East and Africa. At the same time, by exploiting the deposits in Greece that the government is accelerating, the country can make a decisive contribution to the supply of energy to the Balkans and Europe, contributing decisively to the dependence on Russian fossil fuels and consequently its energy security. Old Epirus. The new LNG storage unit being built in Alexandroupolis with US support has a distinct position in this strategy and is upgrading the region energetically and commercially.
New investments
Emphasis will also be placed on the investment sector, emphasizing the decisive steps taken by the Greek economy, despite the unfavorable international situation. After all, American giants such as Microsoft, Pfizer and JP Morgan have already invested significant funds in Greece, giving a vote of confidence in the prospects of its Greek economy, and in this context, the aim is to attract additional and larger investment funds as the country exits enhanced supervision. and seeks in less than a year to be back in the investment stage, something the prime minister has described as a national goal.
Ukraine
Of course, the issue of the war in Ukraine also occupies an important place in the agenda of the meeting of the Greek Prime Minister with the American President, with Kyriakos Mitsotakis focusing on the clear strategic orientation that Greece has and the allied position it maintains, a fact that proves and highlights the the country’s credibility but also how it functions as a factor of stability and security in the wider Eastern Mediterranean region, in contrast to Turkey, which is regressing between the West and Russia, seeking bargains. However, the US side does not rule out the possibility of re-sending additional defense equipment from Greece to Kyiv, especially of Russian origin, something that the government has rejected, describing these weapons systems as critical for the country’s defense.
At 12 midnight Greek time and immediately after his meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the American president will hold a reception in honor of the Greek Prime Minister at the White House, on the occasion of the 200 years of independence of the Greek state and prominent Greek representatives are expected to be present. in the US, ministers, senators and members of Congress, businessmen, etc. A move that reflects the excellent level of Greek-American relations and the interpersonal of the two leaders.
The Prime Minister is accompanied on his trip by Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and Deputy Foreign Minister Costas Frangogiannis, National Defense Minister Nikos Panagiotopoulos, Education Minister Niki Kerameos and Deputy Prime Minister and Government Spokesman Gian.
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