Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday briefed President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine Tassoulas about the upcoming international contacts.

“I will first be in Davos and then in Brussels for an extraordinary European Council meeting,” he said.

“You know, sometimes we do not perceive the historicity of moments while events unfold, but only after a certain amount of time. However, I believe that 2026 has indeed entered with unprecedented challenges for the international geopolitical and economic framework, as this was essentially built after World War II. We must not have any illusions. At this moment, basic principles on which post-war peace and prosperity were built are being questioned. And I believe that in these challenging moments, first and foremost, reason, dialogue, open channels of communication must prevail so that we can avoid the worst, especially in terms of EU relations with the United States.

Greece is a country that has strategic relations with the United States. At the same time, it is a member-state of the EU, a country that participates as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, and a country that has fought to defend multilateralism, international law as the only point of reference for resolving international disputes, and we are not going to deviate from this position.

At the same time, Mr. President, we fully recognise that in this complex international environment, we must put the interests of our country first and foremost. And the strengthening of the Armed Forces, the strong deterrent capacity of our country is now a primary political but – dare I say – also national priority. And I say this on the occasion of the arrival of the “Kimon”. We were together on the bridge of this ultra-modern ship a few days ago. A ship that was financed by the shortfall of the Greek people. Three more will follow and also, of course, many other investments so that Greece can emerge as a pillar of stability, security and regional power in a troubled neighbourhood. From then on, I hope, as I said before, that in EU-US relations, logic will finally prevail. That we will not go past the point of no return in terms of moves that can be made but from which there will be no easy return. These are the issues that we will have the opportunity to discuss both in Davos and in Brussels. And of course, Davos is always an opportunity to showcase the country’s successes in the economic sector.

The Greek finance minister rang the Eurogroup bell as chairman on Monday. There is, I believe, an overall, universal recognition of the progress that Greece has achieved in recent years. Davos is always a place and an opportunity to be able to position Greece in the international economic framework, to attract investments. Investments are crucial to continue this path of progress. Indicatively, I mention that 2025 was a record year in attracting foreign direct investment and we obviously want 2026 to be a very good year as well.

In turbulent times, Greece must be safe but also have a steady course towards progress and towards stability and security,” the prime minister stressed.

On his part, th President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine Tassoulas, in his meeting with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Tuesday, agreed that the world was going through turbulent times. “ The water are indeed troubled, and if we manage for a moment to escape from the daily routine that challenges us and absorbs our attention, we will realise that we are truly living through moments which, regardless of further developments, are in any case historic.

“Obviously, we do not want to disrupt our relations with America, but equally obviously – just as Article 2 of our Constitution says – Greece follows the rules of international law and seeks to consolidate peace, justice, and friendship among peoples. This constitutional duty we have, which you have emphasised repeatedly, is understood by the political forces of the country. You are not an activist right now, nor are you giving lessons in civics and international relations. You are defending the interests of the country at a time of transition. We are on a knife’s edge. Either all the assumptions that prevailed after World War II – on which the edifice of what is called Euro-Atlanticism was built – will entirely shift, or there will be a leap into the void with unknown, but certainly not good, consequences.

“Therefore, Europe must express a strong message of support for the continuity of Euro-Atlantic relations – that is, support for the close relationship of the Euro-Atlantic states – and Greece cannot abstain from this.

“Within this storm that has entered our lives, even after the New Year – and here one sees how relative time’s turning points are; nothing essentially changes just because New Year’s Day arrives, events continue, events worsen – it is important for Greece to pay attention to its strength, its power. And indeed, what we welcomed a few days ago in the Saronic Gulf, the frigate ‘Kimon,’ is something that immensely strengthens the country’s deterrent power and sends a message that we are determined, either with many others or alone, to defend our sovereign rights, to defend our sovereignty.

“Thus, Greece is responding to the call of treacherous times, marshalling its strength while also protecting its alliances – yet doing so without naivety or unnecessary romanticism, fully aware of the critical nature of the times.
“I am certain that both in Davos, mainly on the economic front, and at the Council of Ministers, Greece will make clear that yes, relations with America must not be disrupted, but Europe also cannot abandon the entire structure that has been built and has prevailed over the last decades – on which we shaped the myth of our lives and created a way of life that must continue. And I am certain, as you also said, that in the end reason will prevail and there will not be a leap into the void with unpredictable consequences,” Tassoulas said.