Kyriakos Mitsotakis spruiks Greece-France naval deal at Athens Democracy Forum

·

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has called a 2.9b euro naval deal with France long overdue at the Athens Democracy Forum on Thursday. 

He spent the event beefing up the Hellenic Navy’s upgrades and its defence coordination with France.

“We bought the frigates at the best price and with the best delivery time,” he told the press. 

Greece announced its 2.9b euro deal to acquire three defense and intervention frigates (FDIs) from France on Tuesday.

Kyriakos Mitsotakis spent the forum spruiking a recently announced 2.9b euro naval deal to acquire three warships from France (Photo: AFP)

“This is a strategic partnership which in my mind which goes probably above and beyond the mutual assistance clauses that are currently included in the European treaties,” he told the forum.

“The phrasing is probably slightly stronger but it also signifies the importance that France assigns to the broader region of the eastern Mediterranean.”

He also hinted at a five-year extension to Greece’s defence pact with the US and went on to extend the olive branch to Turkey but says he’s keeping his priorities at home.

“My number one priority is how do we reduce inequalities in this new growth model I’m championing for Greece.”

“At the same time, we cannot ignore the fact that we live in a very complicated neighbourhood.” 

“I do not intend to enter into an arms race with Turkey and I’m always reaching out a hand of friendship.”

He assured the forum that his focus on the military is “not at the expense of other priorities” like the pandemic and environmental crises. 

He maintained his stance on migration in the wake of Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis. 

He says border forces will continue “intercepting boats at sea, while behaving in a totally humanitarian manner”. 

Source: Ekathimerini 

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Young filmmakers shine at inaugural Greek Film Festival of Sydney competition

The next generation of Greek Australian storytellers took centre stage as the 1st Greek Australian Youth Filmmaking Competition debuted.

Eugenia Mitrakas wins Australasian Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award

Eugenia Mitrakas, principal of EMR Mitrakas, has been recognised as a winner of the prestigious Australasian Lawyer Elite Women 2025 award.

Ten years of kefi: Oakleigh Glendi 2025 promises biggest celebration yet

The much-loved Oakleigh Glendi Festival returns to Warrawee Park on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 November 2025.

Leadership change at The Hellenic Initiative Australia as Nicholas Pappas AM steps down

Nicholas Pappas AM steps down after 12 years as President of The Hellenic Initiative Australia. Read more here.

Pharos, Loverdos and Greek delegation unite to secure the future of Greek in Australia

A meeting with Pharos Alliance representatives was top of mind for Greek Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ioannis Loverdos on Friday.

You May Also Like

Australian Leea Nanos looking to represent Greece in Eurovision 2025

Leea Nanos, an Australian singer-songwriter with Greek heritage, has reportedly submitted a song for Greece’s upcoming Eurovision selection.

Loverdos wraps up Australian visit in Perth, celebrating Hellenic heritage and ANZAC friendship

Ioannis Loverdos has concluded his official tour of Australia and New Zealand with a visit to Perth, Western Australia.

Supermarkets in Greece not allowed to sell toys over Christmas, says Minister

A minister threatened to cancel 'click and collect' services if Ermou, the main commercial street in Athens, gets too crowded.