AMNA

The Greek-French friendship is stronger and closer than ever, French ambassador Maisonnave says

“The Greek-French friendship is stronger and closer than ever,” French ambassador Patrick Maisonnave said during an event marking the national anniversary of France, adding that Greece and France face a set of common threats together, with multi-level bilateral relations and in the framework of the European Union, from the war in Ukraine and the return of nationalism to the climate crisis.

During the celebration held at the embassy residence on Wednesday, Maisonnave also said goodbye to Greece, in an atmosphere of emotion and with a “little sadness”, as he said, after four years in office.

Maisonnave spoke about the “political relationship” between Greece and France, while he also addressed the head of the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (HNDGS), General Konstantinos Floros, and spoke about “the strategic partnership signed by our two governments.” He further spoke of “the economic relationship with French companies that bring know-how and employment to Greece”, as well as the two countries’ cultural ties.

France is loyal to Greece more than any other country “in a world that is being transformed”, but there seems to be room for trust and solidarity between the two peoples who share common values and ideals, he added.