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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.<\/p>\n
Mitsotakis said Aoun\u2019s visit highlighted the \u201cdeep ties\u201d between the two countries and reaffirmed Greece\u2019s support for Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty, independence and territorial unity.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreece stands by you,\u201d Mitsotakis said, emphasizing the importance of preserving Lebanon\u2019s multicultural identity and protecting its Christian communities.<\/p>\n
He stressed that a strong Lebanese state, supported by a central government capable of providing security for all citizens, was essential to the country\u2019s stability.<\/p>\n
The Greek prime minister also welcomed Aoun\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s upcoming presidency of the EU.<\/p>\n
Athens also intends to continue supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces, which Mitsotakis described as a crucial pillar of Lebanon\u2019s security and stability.<\/p>\n
On reconstruction, Mitsotakis pledged continued Greek support and pointed to opportunities for expanding investment and trade between the two countries.<\/p>\n
Looking more broadly at the Eastern Mediterranean, Mitsotakis said Greece wanted to help transform the region from \u201ca region of tensions into a peaceful area of cooperation and connectivity.\u201d<\/p>\n
He highlighted potential cooperation in energy and infrastructure, including projects that could strengthen connections between the Eastern Mediterranean and Europe.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are brotherly peoples, and today we are called upon to give new momentum to this centuries old coexistence, with our eyes on the future,\u201d Mitsotakis said.<\/p>\n
The talks underscore Athens\u2019 growing interest in strengthening its relationship with Beirut while promoting stability, economic cooperation and closer regional connectivity in the Eastern Mediterranean.<\/p>\n
Tags:<\/strong> <\/p>\n Slug:<\/strong> greece-lebanon-strategic-partnership-mitsotakis-aoun<\/p>\n Focus key phrase:<\/strong> Greece Lebanon strategic partnership<\/p>\n Meta description:<\/strong> Greece and Lebanon seek to upgrade bilateral ties to a strategic partnership as Kyriakos Mitsotakis backs Lebanon\u2019s sovereignty, security and reconstruction.<\/p>\n Excerpt:<\/strong> <\/p>\n