Mitsotakis stresses Cyprus’s closeness to Middle East in talks with Germany ahead of Athens defence expo

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis used a meeting in Athens on Monday to underscore Cyprus’s proximity to the Middle East, casting regional turbulence as a priority for both countries as Greece prepares to host the Defence Exhibition Athens on Tuesday. “We are, along with Cyprus, the country closest to what is happening in the Middle East,” Mitsotakis said as he welcomed German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

He said Greece has a strong interest in a peaceful resolution and in maintaining freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, describing that interest as rooted in Greece’s role both as a European nation and as a leading maritime country. Mitsotakis added that no precedent should be set in the region or globally and said he was keen to hear Germany’s view on next steps.

The prime minister said Greece keeps constructive relations with all countries in the region, which he argued makes it a reliable bridge builder. “Of course, in order to get to the point where we start building bridges, we must first get past the point where we are blowing them up,” he said, adding that ensuring diplomacy takes precedence is a shared priority for Greece and Germany.

Wadephul, for his part, pointed to Greece’s forthcoming term holding the EU Council’s rotating presidency in the second half of next year. In that context, he said efforts must be intensified so the European Union can address the threats and challenges it faces.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides is due in Athens for the defence exhibition, traveling directly from Monday’s European Political Community summit in Yerevan. While there, he is expected to meet Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and European Defence Commissioner Andreas Kubilius.