Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has pledged continued support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, security and reconstruction during Lebanese President Joseph Aoun’s official visit to Athens.
Following talks on Monday, Mitsotakis said the visit confirmed the longstanding ties between the two countries and marked a step towards upgrading bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
“Greece stands by your side,” Mitsotakis said, reaffirming Greece’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, independence and unity.
“Our position is clear: a strong state is a prerequisite for a strong Lebanon, with a central government that safeguards the security of all its citizens,” he added.
Mitsotakis welcomed Aoun’s commitment to diplomacy and direct talks with Israel under United States mediation, saying Greece was ready to support efforts towards de-escalation. He also pledged further assistance for the Lebanese Armed Forces and Lebanon’s reconstruction.
Earlier, Aoun asked Greek President Constantine Tassoulas to support the implementation of the US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.
“We request Greece’s assistance as much as possible to help Lebanon,” Aoun said.
The agreement calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces throughout the area.
“Solving the problem by military force will not succeed,” Aoun said. “The framework agreement… cannot be implemented unilaterally. It needs to be implemented on both sides.”
Aoun described relations between Athens and Beirut as exemplary, identifying opportunities for further cooperation in trade, energy, transport, culture and tourism.
He also highlighted the importance of Lebanon’s Greek Orthodox community.
“This shows how history unites us, and today we want to strengthen this for a bright future,” he said.
Source: AMNA
