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13/05/2025 | 16:54
Merz-Mitsotakis meeting in Berlin: “Ηuge respect” for all that Greece has achieved – ‘Greece has been writing a new chapter in the last six years’ –
Over the last six years, Greece has been “writing a new chapter” in its history, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Tuesday, in joint statements with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during his official visit to the German capital.
He also thanked Merz for his warm reception, noting that it was deeply symbolic to be the first foreign leader invited to visit.
Talking about the Greek economy, Mitsotakis stressed that “after a very tough 10-year crisis, our economy is one of the strongest in the Eurozone, a fact reflected by large primary surpluses.”
He pointed out that “in tourism, we are breaking one record after the other,” adding that the country was continuing to make changes and carry out reforms “and is an attractive destination for German investments”.
German Chancellor Merz: Greek premier’s visit indicative of our close relations
BERLIN (ANA-MPA/ F. Karaviti) German Chancellor Friedrich Merz highlighted the fact that Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is the first European leader to visit him after he took over as chancellor, in joint statements made during the Greek premier’s visit to Berlin on Tuesday.
“This indicates that we desire continued good relations and close cooperation, in order to resolve the problems,” he said.
Merz referred to the close ties between Greece and Germany in the economy and defence, stressing that Berlin and Athens were in agreement that, if Vladimir Putin did not respond to the proposals of the allies, the new package of sanctions agreed on the level of the European Union and its partners should be imposed.
Regarding migration, the German chancellor acknowledged that this is an issue of concern for both countries and expressed hope that the new and stricter asylum rules, combined with collaboration with third countries, will yield results. With respect to secondary migration, Merz stated that arrivals in Germany must be reduced and returns increased, calling for cooperation between the relevant ministers in both countries on this issue.
Merz also spoke of his “huge respect” for all that Greece has achieved following the crisis, especially after 2019, and of “impressive” strides made under Mitsotakis. He pointed out the high Greek primary surpluses and the flexible rules of the labour market, saying these could also serve as an example for Germany, while saying he intended to follow the Greek premier’s advice for reforms “quickly and at the start” of his term in government.
Source: ANA – MPA
