France’s alliance with Greece: Macron vs Turkey

France's alliance with Greece: Macron vs Turkey

FFrance and Greece agreed on Tuesday in Paris a new security alliance, which they want to interpret as “the first bold step towards European strategic autonomy”. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakiso It is about “mutual obligations that go beyond the EU and NATO”, said a joint news conference at the Elysee Palace. He didn’t say what he actually meant by that. Mitsotakis recalled “tough times in the summer of 2020” when France alone rushed to Greece’s aid. In a conflict with Turkey over natural gas reserves, France ordered two warships in the eastern Mediterranean. When asked about relations with Turkey, the President said Emmanuel MacronGreece is a European outpost in an area of ​​geopolitical and energy policy importance to the European Union.

“We are working with Greece to defend itself in the event of an incursion, attack or invasion,” he said. long sign on english vowel With a view to NATO ally Turkey. At the same time, he stressed that the intensive security partnership was not directed against any particular country. The Defense Ministers of both the countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase of three warships from the French Shipyard Naval Group. The Naval Group last made headlines by ending its submarine contract with Australia. Macron said the warships for Greece would be built in the Breton port city of Lorient. The cost of the three warships was kept at around three billion euros. There is also the option of another frigate.

One Swipe on Heiko Maso

Defense Minister Florence Parly A release praised “a historic deal”. In addition to the French Naval Group, the German company TKMS and the American company Lockheed Martin participated in the tender for the original four battleships. Greece has already ordered 24 Rafale fighter jets from Dassault this year, making it the first EU country to use French technology.

a good choice

Get F+ for 3 months for 1 EUR per week and read all the articles on FAZ.NET.

F+ Read Now


“We are committed to equipping Greece to respect its territorial integrity,” Macron said. The French president used his appearance on the side of the Greek prime minister to complain about the EU’s naivety on defense issues. His words on the foreign minister haiko maso (SPD), who mediated the dispute between Turkey and Greece in August 2020.

READ  Rare zoonosis: case of monkeypox reported in England
Written By
More from Cary Payne
For two months: UN announces ceasefire agreement in Yemen
Thus: 04/01/2022 at 7:34 pm According to the United Nations, guns in...
Read More
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *