Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met on Thursday morning (23/04) at the Mansion House with Prime Minister of Latvia Evika Silinia with whom he discussed issues of European and regional interest with an emphasis on the latest developments in Ukraine and Middle East.
According to a government statement, the meeting also exchanged views on common national and European challenges, such as the economic impact of a prolonged crisis in the Middle East, the strengthening of common European defence and migration.
At the start of the meeting Mr. Mitsotakis noted that it had been a long time since the last time the Latvian leader visited Greece and referred to the drought problem in the European south and thanked his Latvian counterpart “for bringing us some rain.”
“As you know, the European south is suffering from a prolonged drought. But, fortunately, this winter has been very good, as we managed to replenish all our water reservoirs. In Northern Europe you don’t face these kinds of problems, but what we certainly share is a general concern about geopolitical developments overall, from Ukraine to the Middle East. So this is an excellent opportunity to discuss these issues and to strengthen the ties between our two countries,” the Greek prime minister noted.
“Your leadership role in the region” asserted the Latvian Prime Minister
For her part, Ms. Silinia praised Mitsotakis’ role in the region, which she described as “leading”.
“So, I really appreciate your personal leadership role, as well as your support for what is happening in Ukraine, because I believe that without it it would be very difficult for all our European friends to stay united. We also understand how difficult the situation in Hormuz is at the moment. That is why I am here today, because we understand the situation in this part of the world and we are concerned about it,” he said.
He also added: “I know how much you are concerned about what is happening both in Greece and in Europe, and that you are always very active on all issues that can strengthen the unity of Europe. So that is why I am here, on behalf of Latvia, from Eastern Europe, and I know that we are facing the same situation with regard to migration. Our people, our border guards are also working hard here, providing you with assistance. Once again, thank you for your very warm welcome.”
