Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirming the strategic relationship between Greece and Israel, during an official visit to Israel on Sunday, March 30. Government sources reveal that the discussions focused on deepening bilateral cooperation, particularly in the defense sector.
The two leaders exchanged views on regional developments, with a special emphasis on the Eastern Mediterranean, as well as the challenges posed by the situations in Syria, Lebanon, and the Red Sea.
Mitsotakis highlighted the importance of connectivity and joint energy projects for regional stability.
Concerning Lebanon, he emphasized the need to maintain stability and uphold the ceasefire in the country’s south. He also stressed the necessity of releasing hostages and halting Israeli operations in Gaza.
Netanyahu welcomed the Greek prime minister, emphasizing the deep historical ties between the two nations. He noted that both countries share common values and interests, along with mutual challenges. He expressed optimism about future opportunities, acknowledging Greece’s economic transformation and drawing parallels with Israel’s own experiences.
Netanyahu highlighted the strengthening bilateral ties, citing the growing number of Israelis investing in Greece as a testament to confidence in the country’s economy. The Israeli prime minister iterated that he also looked forward to further discussions on security challenges, economic opportunities, and efforts to promote lasting peace in the region.
Earlier in the day, Mitsotakis held meetings with officials from Israel’s Ministry of Defense (SIBAT) and senior representatives of the Israeli defense industry. According to government sources, these discussions reviewed the strong existing cooperation between the two countries and explored opportunities for further expansion.
In this context, participants exchanged views on potential partnerships and co-production initiatives, with a focus on technological innovation, research, and the acquisition of strategic capabilities. The importance of mutually beneficial cooperation was emphasized, particularly in the ongoing development of Greece’s defense industry ecosystem, which continues to expand with high-value-added enterprises.
