Mitsotaki – Mertz statements: Common challenges strengthen our links
With German Chancellor Friedrich Mertz met Kyriakos Mitsotakis As part of the official visit by the Prime Minister to Berlin. Common statements followed where the willingness to deepen the relations between the two countries was expressed.
The two leaders make joint statements. The German Chancellor first spoke, stressing « we agreed to develop the good and friendly relations of Germany – Greece and to deepen it ».
Mr Mertz referred to the war in Ukraine and welcomed Volodimir Zelenski’s statements. He stressed that Berlin and Athens agree, if Vladimir Putin does not respond to the allies ‘proposal, to impose the new sanctions package that has been decided at European Union and Partners’ level.
He added that in the discussion with Mr Mitsotakis they referred to the migration and secondary immigration.
He emphasized that the two countries would deepen his relations in the fields of energy and the economy. « We have agreed on many issues and look forward to good cooperation between Greece – Germany and I stress again that the first visitor to Germany after my election is Kyriakos Mitsotakis, » he said.
Snapshot of Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit
Kyriakos Mitsotakis congratulated Friedrich Mertz in German. « I think it has a deep symbolism, » he said of that he is the first European leader to visit Germany after Mr Mertz’s election.
« Common challenges strengthen our ties, » he said, adding that « German companies have trusted our homeland. » He also made mention of the Greek expatriates of Germany.
She also referred to the war in Ukraine and Europe’s defense, saying that « Germany also made important decisions to strengthen its defense ».
Responding to a journalist’s question, Mr Mitsotakis about the escape clause, saying that « we face common challenges that can be addressed with common financial tools ». Mr Mertz said, among other things, that « we are very careful in Germany with financial tools. Conditions in the EU only allow it as conditions of exception. I am very careful when talking about new financial tools. I am open to EU tools, from revenue level, from distribution of taxes or fees to carbon dioxide. But this will need a very long -term solution. If we are driven to a joint financial solution we should reduce funding systems, production should be easier. We have to learn from Ukraine. «
« No one is willing to accept that the border in Europe change military violence. No one should underestimate our determination, « the German Chancellor still underlined.
Asked about the good words he said about Greece’s economy, Mr Mertz stressed that « with great care and carefully we saw what Greece was doing. Return to 6 -day work week, this is unthinkable in Germany. «
Mr Mitsotakis pointed out that in Greece the five days are guaranteed, but degrees of flexibility are offered « to meet the needs of both employees and businesses, with respect to labor rights ».
The prime minister was asked about the rule of law in the country, responding, inter alia, that « Greece is a democracy that operates very well and the final judge of the rule of law, the European Commission said. In such rankings by various media, that my country is under African countries that are not distinguished for democratic reflexes. In Greece he can write and say whatever he wants. «
