Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met at the Maximos Mansion with the German Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johann Wadephul.

During the meeting, regional developments were discussed, focusing on Iran, Lebanon, and the wider Middle East.

The Prime Minister stressed that Europe must be present in the region following a peace agreement, adding that it should support the government and the armed forces of Lebanon.

They also discussed issues of mutual European interest, such as Euro-Atlantic relations, strengthening collective European defense, and the new Multiannual Financial Framework.

At the start of their meeting, the Prime Minister and the German minister had the following exchange:

Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Welcome to Athens. You are arriving at a time of great turmoil, so we have much to discuss. Together with Cyprus, we are the country closest to what is happening in the Middle East.

We clearly have a strong interest in ensuring that this situation is resolved peacefully as soon as possible, especially regarding the preservation of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Not only as a European country, but also as a country with a leading role in shipping, we consider it imperative that no precedent be set—not only in the region but globally. I am very interested in hearing your thoughts on the next steps.

We are a country that, as you know and as you discussed with our minister, maintains what I would call constructive relations with all countries in the region, something that, in my view, makes us credible “bridge-builders.” Of course, to reach the point where we can start building bridges, we must first move beyond the point where they are being blown up.

Therefore, ensuring that we reach a point where diplomacy takes priority is, I believe, a shared priority for both our countries. Welcome, and I am very pleased to see you.

Johann Wadephul: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister, for hosting us this afternoon. It is very important that we meet in times like these, as you said. I bring you very warm greetings from Friedrich Merz. I spoke with him yesterday afternoon, and he asked me to convey his warmest regards; he values the friendship between you. The same applies to our two countries and our two governments, especially for foreign ministers in these critical times.

This morning we discussed in detail the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. I believe it is absolutely necessary for us to present our arguments and to play a role as the European Union, because we have interests in the region, just as we have an interest in ending Russian invasion of Ukraine.

I would therefore say, in view of Greece’s presidency of the European Union next year, that we must intensify our efforts so that the EU is able to address all the threats and challenges we face. And this must be done among friends and key partners, such as Greece and Germany. Thank you.