The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, referred to Greece and her cooperation with the Greek government today, responding to a question from the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA) during her year-end press conference.
When asked about her recent meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the cooperation between the Greek and Italian governments, as well as in her reference to the importance of the Greek concept of «philotimo,» Giorgia Meloni emphasized:
«I want to tell you, first of all, that I came across the reference to “philotimo” while reading. I really liked it, and I saw that everyone appreciated the meaning of this word—there were numerous positive reactions. It is extremely important to do everything you can, with all your strength and effort; the meaning of the word “philotimo” is exceptional. My connection to Greece stems mainly from reading the classical authors. I had a particularly cordial and lengthy meeting with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. We share a common approach on many issues; we sit side by side, at the same “desk,” at the Summits. A close relationship developed right from the very first Summit. We have coordinated our positions on energy caps, energy autonomy and security, as well as on the management of migration flows and the protection of external borders.
Referring to the long-standing cooperation between the two countries, Giorgia Meloni added:
«You will recall that Greece, along with Cyprus and Malta, co-signed a document with Italy regarding the Ocean Viking case and emphasized that there are countries that are more vulnerable to this entire issue. The work we did together must continue, and it led to this issue being designated, in an official document, as a priority for the European Commission—something that had never happened before. The main topic of the next Summit will be migration and the protection of external borders. Our entire collaboration has been particularly productive, and we intend to continue it. Italy is investing in the Mediterranean dimension, and I believe it can play a central role on a range of issues, such as energy. Our alliance with Mediterranean countries, particularly those in Europe, is of fundamental importance, and there are also very interesting issues regarding the defense sector. »We have an excellent partnership, which we wish to continue.”.
