Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the frigate “Kimon” in Piraeus, in a highly symbolic move that signals the excellent level that Greek-French relations have reached in recent years. The French President and Greek Prime Minister arrived at the port of Piraeus shortly after 10:00 AM and initially inspected the honor guard of the Armed Forces. This was followed by the playing of the national anthems of Greece and France. Subsequently, a flyover by Rafale aircraft took place and the two leaders boarded the frigate. They were accompanied by the Defense Ministers of Greece and France, the two Deputy Foreign Ministers, the Chiefs of General Staff, Navy Chief and Air Force Chief. They then proceeded to the Operations Center for a tour by the Commander of the Frigate KIMON and through the Planning Room to conclude at the Bridge.
Shortly after 11 AM, the two leaders departed from the frigate “Kimon”. It should be noted that this is the second time the two leaders have inspected the Navy’s first Belharra frigate, the first was in Cyprus.
It is recalled that yesterday (24/04), during the first day of his two-day visit to Athens, the French President sent out strong messages of support and strategic solidarity. “If your sovereignty is threatened, we will be here for you,” was his characteristic statement, confirming France’s support for Greece. Emmanuel Macron is in the Greek capital with a “rich” agenda for bilateral agreements in critical sectors, in a globally tense geopolitical climate, amid the war in Iran and intense concerns about its economic impact on the European economy. After their joint visit to the frigate “Kimon”, the two leaders will meet at noon at the Maximos Mansion, where they will open the full range of critical issues, including maritime security, with the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz as a focal point. Strategic agreements will be signed followed by joint statements to the media. At 4 PM, Messrs. Mitsotakis and Macron will visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, where they will address the Greek-French Business Forum, which will take place in the “Dome”.
Images and video from Mitsotakis and Macron’s inspection of frigate “Kimon”
