Greece – Conversation between the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, about the situation in the eastern Mediterranean (French Presidency, 12 Aug. 2020)

The French President spoke to the Prime Minister of Greece, Mr Kyriakos Mitsotakis, about the situation in the eastern Mediterranean.

He expressed his concern about the tensions sparked by Turkey’s unilateral decisions regarding oil exploration – [tensions] which must cease in order to enable calm dialogue between neighbouring countries and NATO allies. He reiterated the necessary solidarity of France and the European Union with all member States whose sovereignty is challenged.

Recalling the importance of settling the current disputes through dialogue, the President emphasized the need for greater consultation between Greece and Turkey and in this respect welcomed the mediation initiative set in train by Germany.

In order to get a better grasp of the situation in that region of the Mediterranean and signal his determination to ensure international law is respected, the President has decided to step up temporarily France’s military presence in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days, in cooperation with European partners, including Greece.

^{Statement issued by the French Presidency, translation by the French Embassy in London}