Your Excellency, Mr. President,
It is with great honor and pleasure that we welcome you, your spouse and your delegation to Greece. Your visit reflects the close friendly ties between our two countries and marks the renewal of our strong allied relationship, as well as the expansion of our bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas.
Greek and French cultures have engaged in a fruitful dialogue for centuries, contributing significantly to the shaping of modern European identity. From antiquity and the founding of Greek cities on the French shores of the Mediterranean, such as Marseille, Nice and Antipolis, through the Renaissance, when France welcomed refugees, scholars, artists and merchants who fled the Ottoman yoke after the Fall of Constantinople, the Greeks transmitted to France the Greek spirit, the arts, and literature, in their various historical manifestations.
This creative coexistence influenced the great French thinkers of the Enlightenment, whose humanist ideas in turn inspired not only the French revolutionaries in 1789, but also the Greeks who rose up in 1821 to win their freedom. Furthermore, France contributed immensely to the successful outcome of the Greek Revolution and the establishment of the modern Greek State, morally, materially, militarily and diplomatically.
Later, in the 20th century, Greece and France met again in all the major events that shaped the course of history in Europe and the world, fighting side by side for freedom and peace. During this period, France once again served as a breeding ground for Greek intellectuals, scientists and artists, who excelled in its welcoming and liberal environment. We also do not forget your country’s support both for the restoration of democracy in 1974 and the accession of our country to the EEC, as well as during the difficult years of the economic crisis.
Throughout this course, in 2021, the traditional Greek-French friendship was transformed into a substantive alliance five years ago. Since then, our multifaceted cooperation has been continuously strengthened and expanded, as will also be demonstrated tomorrow with the numerous agreements that will be signed.
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
In the rapidly emerging new geopolitical environment, where decades-old certainties are being challenged and international legality is under attack from all sides, the Greek-French alignment is a model of cooperation for all of Europe. A Europe that must now assume its historical responsibilities, by becoming a powerful geopolitical force. For, as you so rightly said a few years ago, the days of complacency belong to the past.
In February, four years of war were completed on our continent. Greece has demonstrated, from the very beginning and without hesitation, practical solidarity with Ukraine, upholding a principled stance. In the face of outdated revisionism and the brute force of power, Greece consistently places its commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use or threat of force, respect for state sovereignty and territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
And Greece could not have acted otherwise, as this year marks 52 years since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, which opened a gaping wound in the body of Europe. We never forget that the Cyprus issue is a matter of illegal invasion and occupation, which cannot produce any legal results. I would like to warmly thank for the long-standing supportive stance of France toward the Republic of Cyprus and the efforts to find a sustainable and functional solution, in accordance with the resolutions of the United Nations Security Council and the European acquis.
As the war continues to rage in Europe, yet another multiple front has opened up, since 2023, in the broader Middle East, jeopardizing not only regional stability but also the energy and economic security of Europe. In today’s chaotic circumstances, I would like to send a message of restraint, prudence and solidarity to the thousands of innocent victims of the war, and among them are the Christians of the Middle East among whom are the Christians of the Middle East. It is clear that the solution to the long-standing problems in the region can only come through dialogue and diplomacy.
In this environment of successive crises, Europe is facing unprecedented challenges that are testing its cohesion as a union of states, as well as the resilience of our societies themselves: migration, rapid technological progress, energy insecurity, economic instability, the rise of extremism, hybrid threats and the climate crisis are conditions that may intensify in the coming years.
None of the European states can face these threats on its own, nor can it seize the opportunities that arise. Europe, therefore, must move swiftly with coordinated steps toward its strategic autonomy as well as its enlargement in order to fulfill its historic role as a beacon of democracy, peace and prosperity.
Your Excellency, Mr. President,
Over the years, decades, centuries, our paths have crossed time and time again. Today, we are charting a coordinated course together, based on shared values, interests and vision. Greece and France share common perceptions regarding their bilateral relationship, European integration and the course that the international community must follow in the future. And this fills us with optimism and determination for the peaceful battles we are called upon to fight together.
With these thoughts, I raise my glass and wish you and the friendly people of France peace, security and prosperity.
