Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias on Friday sent a clear message to EU member-states “to follow France’s example and not supply arms to countries that threaten war”, especially the threats were against other countries in the EU, after his meeting with his French counterpart Jean-Yves Le Drian in Athens.
The Greek minister also underlined that Greece promotes regional stability and focused on the “timeless excellent ties between Greece and France,” making a special reference to the Strategic Partnership Agreement which, as he said, is the capstone of Greek-French bilateral relations.
He also made clear that the agreement with France does not threat anyone.
Additionally, the two top officials discussed issues concerning the EU and the upcoming French presidency and its priorities. On his part, Dendias reassured Le Drian that Greece will do whatever is possible for the French presidency to succeed.
They also discussed the very worrying situation in Sahel and the risk the instability will spread in the wider region: “Greece shares France’s worries over the Sahel and is closely monitoring developments via the new Greek Embassy in Senegal,” he said.
Dendias expressed Greece’s will to strengthen its relationship with African countries, stating that he will next week visit Gabon, to which Greece will donate vaccines.
On the developments in the western Balkans, Dendias said that “I am sorry to say that we are not very comfortable” and said that they agreed to send them a message on their European perspective”. Dendias also reiterated that he supports Albania and North Macedonia’s EU accession deliberations before the end of the year.
On the issue of Libya, Dendias thanked the French Minister for Greece’s invitation to the very successful Paris Conference .
Finally, the two foreign ministers had a detailed discussion on matters concerning the Mediterranean, with emphasis on safety and stability.
French FM Le Drian: Greece a key country for European territorial sovereignty
Greece and France have views in common on many regional issues, such as the situation in the Mediterranean “where we must be constantly vigilant”, said French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian in joint statements with Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias after the end of their meeting in Athens on Friday.
Further highlighting the importance of bilateral cooperation, he referred to the Greek-French strategic partnership and underlined that this was a symbolic momenf for its enforcement and simultaneously of decisive importance “as we are seeing what we want to do together with Europe”.
Le Drian focused on the strategic relationship between the two countries, saying it was of crucial importance and a new springboard.
On the Cyprus issue he expressed hope all parties will be able to swiftly resume negotiations within the framework outlined by UN Security Council resolutions.
He also said that the situation in the Balkans needs careful handling and the taking of quick initiatives.
Finally, he said that Greece is a key country for defence and for realising European territorial sovereignty.
