“Greece France alliance,” Emanuel Macron said in Greek, opening his speech at the presidential palace, stressing that the phrase is more relevant than ever.

Emanuel Macron said:

“It is the slogan that Greeks were shouting when Constantine Karamanlis, after a decade of exile in Paris, returned in the French presidential aircraft. Today, it is more relevant than ever. Your invitation tonight honors me. It joins a long history of visits that have marked the friendship between the two countries, such as that of General De Gaulle in 1963 or that of Valerie Giscard d’Estaing in 1975, who was the first head of state to be received by Prime Minister Karamanlis after the return of democracy in Greece.

Because France, from the outset, has been the main defender of Greece’s European course. All French Presidents, and I believe all French citizens, subscribe to the idea that “Europe, without Greece, would not be Europe“. Initially, this was shown by the desire to re-establish democracy in the country that was its cradle. It was then expressed by an unwavering sense of solidarity, a product of history, which was not shaken at all when times, especially fifteen years ago, became more turbulent for you and for all Europeans.

The depth of the ties that unite the two peoples takes us back to ancient times and to the French people’s always keen interest in Greece. The philosophers of the Enlightenment, Montesquieu or even Voltaire, admired the culture and politics born here, studying Pericles and the Church of the City at Pnyx.

This strong bond proved particularly fruitful: you invented the Olympic Games and a Frenchman managed to revive them. Thus was born the French wave of support for the Hellenic Revolution, fuelled by a thirst for justice and admiration for your history. A support through the struggle of the French volunteers, in Navarino and in Moria, and through the Philhellenism of the intellectuals and artists, who drew inspiration from the words of Lord Byron, Satovoriandou and Ougot, but also from the brush of Delacroix.

The Greece in the ruins of Mesolonghi, the painting that travelled to Aitoloakarnania this year, is the big sister of our own Liberty Leading the People: the common passion for freedom is what unites the two nations”.

“Long live Greece, long live France and long live the friendship between the two countries,” said Emanuel Macron, concluding his speech.

Tasoulas: Your visit marks the renewal of our strong relationship

“It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to Greece… Your visit reflects the stronger friendly ties between our two countries and marks the renewal of our strong allied relationship, as well as the expansion of bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas,” said President of the Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas.

And he continued:

“Greek and French culture have been in fruitful coexistence for centuries, contributing significantly to the formation of the modern European identity. From Ancient times and the founding of Greek cities on the French Mediterranean coast, such as Marshall, Nicaea and Antipolis (Antibes), until the Renaissance, when France welcomed refugees, scholars, artists and merchants fleeing the Ottoman yoke, after the Depression of Constantinople, the Greeks transmitted to France the Greek spirit, arts and letters, in their various historical manifestations.

This creative coexistence influenced the great French thinkers of the Enlightenment, whose humanist ideas in turn inspired not only the French revolutionaries in 1789, but also the Greeks who rose up in 1821 to conquer their freedom.

To the successful outcome, moreover, of the Hellenic Revolution and to the founding of the modern Greek state, France made the greatest contribution, morally, materially, militarily and diplomatically. Later, in the 20th century, Greece and France met again in all the great events that marked the historical course of Europe and the world, fighting side by side for freedom and peace.

During this period, France was, once again, a hothouse for Greek intellectuals, scientists and artists, who excelled in its hospitable and liberal environment. We also do not forget your country’s support for both the restoration of democracy in 1974 and the inclusion of our country in the EEC, and during the difficult years of the economic crisis.

Through this process, in 2021, the traditional German-French friendship was transformed into a substantial alliance. Since then, our multi-level cooperation has been constantly strengthening and expanding, as will be demonstrated tomorrow with the numerous agreements that will be signed.

Your Excellency Mr. President, in the new geopolitical environment that is rapidly emerging, where decades-old constants are being challenged and international legitimacy is under attack from all sides, the Greek-French alliance is a example of cooperation for all of Europe. A Europe that must now assume its historical responsibilities, making it a strong geopolitical power. Because, as you rightly said a few years ago, the time of carelessness is over.

February marked 4 years of war on our continent. From the very first moment and without any hesitation, Greece has shown extensive solidarity with Ukraine, observing a principled stand. In the face of obsolete revisionism and the exact violence of force, Greece always and everywhere upholds commitment to the fundamental principles of international law, such as the prohibition of the use or threat of use of force, respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states and the peaceful resolution of international disputes.

And he could not do otherwise, as this year marks 52 years since Turkey’s invasion of Cyprus, which opened a deep wound in the body of Europe. We never forget that the Cyprus issue is a matter of illegal invasion and occupation, from which no legal results will be produced.

I would like to express my sincere thanks for France’s longstanding supportive attitude towards the Republic of Cyprus and efforts to find a viable and workable solution, on the basis of the resolutions of the UN Security Council and the European acquis.

While the war continues to rage in Europe, another multiple front has opened, by 2023, in the wider Middle East, endangering not only the regional stability but also the energy and economic security of Europe. In today’s chaotic situation, I would like to send a message of restraint and prudence, and support for the thousands of innocent victims of war, including the Middle Eastern Christians. It is clear that the solution to the region’s chronic problems can only come through dialogue and diplomacy.

In this environment of repeated crises, Europe is experiencing unprecedented challenges that test its cohesion as a union of states, but also the resilience of our own societies: immigration, rapid technological progress, energy insecurity, economic instability, rising extremes, hybrid threats and the climate crisis are conditions that are likely to intensify in the coming years.

No European state can face the threats alone, nor can it seize the opportunities that present themselves. Europe must therefore move quickly, with coordinated steps, both towards strategic autonomy, and towards its expansion, in order to play its historic role as a factory of democracy, peace and prosperity.

Your Excellency Mr. President, over the past years, decades, centuries, our paths have crossed again and again. Today, we are forging our together, on the basis of common values, interests and vision. Greece and France share common views on their bilateral relationship, on European integration, but also on the path that the international community must follow in the future. And this fills us with optimism and determination for the peaceful battles we are called upon to fight together.

With these thoughts, I raise my glass and wish you and the friendly people of France health, peace and prosperity.”