Greece’s relationship with France is the strongest with any of its 26 partners in the European Union, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said at the close of French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Athens Saturday.
“The two countries are closer than ever, politically, strategically, financially, educationally, culturally,” Mitsotakis said during a joint appearance at a Greek-French financial forum.
“I would say that this model of cooperation is perhaps the most advanced form of strategic relationship Greece has developed with any EU member,” he added.
The Greek PM argued that cooperation between Athens and Paris “can essentially serve as a model for the ways in which Europe as a whole could move.”
Macron praised Greece’s financial recovery after the 2009-2018 debt crisis, and highlighted the strength of bilateral economic ties.
“More than 200 French companies that employ more than 17,000 people are in Greece,” he said. “Investments in Greece constantly increase and have exceeded €2 billion in the fields of defense, artificial intelligence, infrastructure and renewables.”
On his departure from Athens, Macron posted a video on X with scenes from his visit and added: “If your sovereignty is at risk, do what you have to do for you. We will be here,” in reference to the two countries’ renewed defense pact.