Greece and Lebanon are looking to deepen their long standing relationship and upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during talks with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Athens.
Mitsotakis said Aoun’s visit highlighted the “deep ties” between the two countries and reaffirmed Greece’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and territorial unity.
“Greece stands by you,” Mitsotakis said, emphasizing the importance of preserving Lebanon’s multicultural identity and protecting its Christian communities.
He stressed that a strong Lebanese state, supported by a central government capable of providing security for all citizens, was essential to the country’s stability.
The Greek prime minister also welcomed Aoun’s efforts to pursue diplomacy and direct dialogue with Israel, with US mediation, saying Athens was prepared to contribute to efforts aimed at reducing tensions across the region.
Mitsotakis said Lebanon would remain high on both the Greek and European agendas. He added that Greece would work to advance discussions on a future European Union partnership with Lebanon during Greece’s upcoming presidency of the EU.
Athens also intends to continue supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, which Mitsotakis described as a crucial pillar of Lebanon’s security and stability.
On reconstruction, Mitsotakis pledged continued Greek support and pointed to opportunities for expanding investment and trade between the two countries.
Looking more broadly at the Eastern Mediterranean, Mitsotakis said Greece wanted to help transform the region from “a region of tensions into a peaceful area of cooperation and connectivity.”
He highlighted potential cooperation in energy and infrastructure, including projects that could strengthen connections between the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.
“We are brotherly peoples, and today we are called upon to give new momentum to this centuries old coexistence, with our eyes on the future,” Mitsotakis said.
The talks underscore Athens’ growing interest in strengthening its relationship with Beirut while promoting stability, economic cooperation and closer regional connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean.
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