French President’s Visit to Greece Celebrated by Greek Press
French President’s visit to Greece on Friday, April 24th and Saturday, April 25th was widely praised by the Greek press. “If we had to give an example of an impeccable relationship between two countries in the European Union, the Franco-Greek one would be perfect,” touted the very popular Ta Nea newspaper.
In the diplomatic relations developed by Athens, “there is a unique, major, and decisive exception: the relationship between Greece and France, the only major power with which ties have always remained deep, strong, pure, and intact. With a decisive parameter: Paris has never considered Greece a mere protectorate, but as a true friend and ally, in a sincere equal relationship, of respect and freedom, which has proven its nature repeatedly,” enthused the center-right daily.
“The Future of Europe”
From its war of independence over two centuries ago to its accession to the European Economic Community, Greece has always found support from France in its history. A closeness symbolized by the expression “Greece-France-Alliance.”
In September 2021, the two countries signed a five-year defense partnership, which this visit of the French president to the Greek capital serves to seal the renewal.
For the business daily I Naftemporiki, “this is a major step in deepening a close relationship that will integrate new areas of cooperation reflecting the increased requirements of the current situation, while placing Franco-Greek cooperation at the heart of discussions on the future of Europe and the European defense and security framework.”
“A Period of High Tensions”
The visit of the French president to Athens comes in a context of regional tensions that makes the eastern Mediterranean a pressured space of the European Union. In early March, Cyprus was notably targeted by an Iranian drone, prompting an immediate reaction from Greece and France, with the sending of warships and the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle to the area. This highlights the stakes of European defense.
“The program of this bilateral meeting ‘includes cooperation in the field of nuclear energy, especially small modular reactors (SMRs), research and innovation, but also (new) armaments,'” specifies I Kathimerini.
“In the field of defense, it should be noted that Greece is a country that has agreed to be placed under the French nuclear umbrella, that is, to allow the periodic stationing on its territory of Rafale aircraft carrying nuclear weapons,” adds the major center-right daily.
“Macron’s visit confirms the strategic convergence between Greece and France in a period of high tensions, strengthening their role as pillars of stability and architects of balance in the Mediterranean,” concludes Efsyn.
