Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis said strengthening ties with Japan is important and welcomed the participation of Japanese companies. At the same time, while denying dependence on China, he indicated that Greece attaches importance to deepening relations with Japan.
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis said in a written statement that strengthening relations with Japan has become even more important. Japan participated for the first time as the country of honor at the Thessaloniki International Fair, held in the first half of this month, and Greece welcomed the participation of Japanese companies. Greece also indicated that it sees new ties emerging from its longstanding friendship and cooperative relationship with Japan.
It has been pointed out that China made substantial investments in Greece during the fiscal and debt crisis, and that a major Chinese shipping company holds a majority stake in the operating company of the Port of Piraeus, the country's largest port. The Mitsotakis administration welcomes Chinese investment while placing importance on the European Union's policy of taking a more cautious stance toward China.
Regarding relations with Japan, Mitsotakis noted that shared values and mutual respect for international law provide the foundation for developing cooperation. This indicates an approach aimed at deepening relations with Japan while also responding to the EU's cautious stance toward China.