ATHENS – Greek President Konstantinos Tassoulas has hailed Greece’s relationship with France as a “model of cooperation for all of Europe,” during a state dinner in honour of French President Emmanuel Macron, underscoring deepening ties at a time of mounting geopolitical uncertainty.
Speaking at the Presidential Mansion on Friday, Tassoulas struck a tone of strategic urgency, warning that long-held assumptions about global security and international order are increasingly being challenged.
He said Macron’s visit reflects not only the enduring strength of Greek-French relations but also their expansion into new areas of cooperation, spanning defence, economic policy and regional stability.
Strategic autonomy and shared challenges
Tassoulas pointed to the historic depth of ties between the two nations, noting that their cultural and political exchanges have helped shape modern European identity. However, his remarks focused heavily on current crises, including the war in Europe, instability in the Middle East and the unresolved division of Cyprus following the 1974 Turkish invasion.
Against this backdrop, he argued that the European Union must act more decisively to achieve “strategic autonomy,” stressing that no single member state can confront today’s threats alone.
Macron invokes history and defence partnership
Macron framed the bilateral relationship as both symbolic and strategic, invoking the historic slogan “Greece, France, alliance” while recalling France’s support during the Greek War of Independence.
He also referenced the legacy of Eugène Delacroix, whose philhellenic works became enduring symbols of European solidarity with Greece.
At the same time, Macron highlighted the tangible outcomes of the partnership, particularly the 2021 bilateral defence and security agreement, which he said has produced “excellent results.”
The agreement is expected to be renewed and expanded, with both sides aiming to strengthen cooperation in defence capabilities, economic competitiveness and regional security.
“Our fate has been linked for centuries,” Macron said. “Never doubt that France and the French love you. Whenever you face a threat, you should know we will stand by you.”