“If we discover natural gas, everything changes.” With this phrase, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described at the VIMA conference the significance of energy initiatives, emphasizing that there will be a clear picture within the next two years.
Meanwhile, he characterized the level of Greek-American relations as “excellent,” noting that the essential point is not the timing of his visit to Washington (in view of the meeting with Donald Trump), but the overall framework of strategic cooperation. He emphasized that the bilateral relationship remains stable and strong, regardless of political circumstances or timetables.
“Turkey cannot enter SAFE program”
Responding to a relevant question, Mitsotakis noted that the ground is “ripe” for convening the Supreme Council of Cooperation between Greece and Turkey in the first half of 2026.
The Prime Minister recalled that before the Athens Declaration, the climate in bilateral relations was “worryingly tense.” He explained that this text proved that the two countries have the ability to maintain a functional relationship, something reflected in cooperation on migration, where “tangible positive results are being recorded.”
He also referred to the visa program for Greek islands, emphasizing its contribution to tourism. At the same time, he made it clear that Greece has set “clear limits where deemed necessary,” such as in European defense programs, seeking to demonstrate that de-escalation does not entail concessions of principle and that Turkey will not enter the SAFE program as long as the casus belli exists.
The Prime Minister argued that Greece has developed a strategy that primarily aims at regional stability, with tension reduction as a basic tool for a more functional bilateral relationship. At the same time, he insisted that this approach “is accompanied by the consolidation of national positions,” so that dialogue does not work against Greek interests.
On Libya and migration
Mitsotakis characterized the situation in Libya as “complex,” noting however that Greek foreign policy has maintained steady communication with both sides of the Libyan reality. Regarding migration, he mentioned that the picture is “better compared to the previous six months.”
“At some point recognition will happen,” he said about Palestine
Referring to the Middle East, Mitsotakis said that recognition of Palestine “will happen at some point,” without giving a timeline.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the strategic relationship with Israel now has “deep roots and real substance,” characteristically mentioning the 3+1 scheme. He recalled that Greece “defended Israel’s right to defend itself” after the Hamas attack, but admitted that Israel “often crossed the line” in its response to the terrorist attack.
