Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis thanked the President of the EPP for his presence at the 16th Congress of the South-Western Party, saying: “Manfred, your words mean a lot to us and the fact that there is a European recognition of our country’s progress in recent years gives us strength to continue with the important reforms, but it also gives us extra enthusiasm to make sure that Greece will always be at the forefront of the important debates concerning the future of Europe.

We have very crucial decisions to take at the European Council, issues concerning Europe’s strategic autonomy, European defence, the common European budget, which must be agreed in the coming months. And I want you to know that in these discussions Greece will be present within the European People’s Party to support a strong Europe that supports Greece, which in turn is making important steps forward.”

The Prime Minister also expressed his satisfaction because, he said, Europe’s sister parties will do everything they can to support Akila’s Eurovision bid.

“Although we are in competition with sister Cyprus, my dear Niko, I am sure that the mutual support, which is always manifested in the context of Eurovision, will continue today. Only that your presence here signifies something much more” he said.

“And I would also like to take my turn to thank you for your very warm words both in the Greek Parliament in a very important session, but also today at our Convention. The recognition of the very close ties between Greece and Cyprus as a result of a self-evident act of support for the Republic of Cyprus by Greece I believe acted as a catalyst so that the psychological ties between Greece and Cyprus will never be stronger than they are now And this is something that gives us great joy.

We work together perfectly. You are right to say that the level of our bilateral relations has never been better. We have very important initiatives to take together in the context of the important discussions within the European Union.

You know that Greece is Cyprus’ staunchest ally in the ongoing effort to resolve the Cyprus issue. Let us be present again and finally close this wound, which has been so painful for Hellenism for 52 years,” he added.

Finally, the Prime Minister, addressing the representatives of the PASOK, SYRIZA and New Left parties who will speak at the ND conference, said that it is a sign of political culture and added “we will continue to insist on an upgraded level of political dialogue, we are political rivals not enemies, we have common enemies: the problems of the citizens”.