In favor of a common interpretation of the revision policy of both Russiaas well as her Turkeywhose criminal behavior is a challenge not only to Greece, but to the entire European Union, declared the President of the Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou speaking at a dinner hosted tonight at the Presidential Palace in honor of Slovak President Zuzana Caputova.

Ms Sakellaropoulou emphasized that “international law is a stable reference point and guide in international relations” and added that “in the face of the challenges we will face and the general uncertainty, it is important that our European family remains united.”

According to him, “especially at a time like the one we are experiencing, Greece and Slovakia, in a spirit of solidarity, are joining forces in resolving the crises caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The refugee, energy and food security crises certainly affect the daily lives of European citizens.”

In the same context, he pointed out that Greece and Slovakia, as NATO allies, share the same concerns about the challenges to the security environment that has emerged in Europe over the past decades, and noted that “our countries are working closely to create a strong North Atlantic Alliance that can immediately and effectively respond to any threat directed against its Member States.”

“For the promotion of European integration”

He also emphasized that “in the European Union, our countries are in favor of promoting European integration and a stronger Union”, and stated that “we firmly believe that an autonomous European Union in the international arena will be able to more effectively promote the principles and its values, multilateralism and a free trade, as well as to address climate change.”

Referring to the Greek-Slovak relations, she stressed that “at the political level, our relations are based on creative cooperation in areas of mutual interest, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels, and cover a wide range of activities, from economic and energy to cultural. Our common goal is to further strengthen them for the benefit of our people.”

He also noted that Greece and Slovakia share the same principles and values, such as democracy and respect for human rights, and our people are obsessed with the love of freedom, and recalled that our country strongly supported the accession of Slovakia to the European Union, for this reason he was particularly pleased that the treaty for its accession as a member state was signed in 2003, during the Greek presidency.

He further noted that one of the strongest ties that bind Greece and Slovakia is the cultural heritage of the monks and co-religionists Cyril and Methodius, who transmitted the Greek spirit to Slovak culture through the Cyrillic alphabet. “Respecting this tradition, your Constitution states in the preamble that your state is based on the legacy of Cyril and Methodius, and your flag bears a double cross, the same as the one brought to you by two co-apostles from Thessaloniki,” he added. the president.

Finally, he stressed that “my country is furthermore indebted to all Slovak Hellenists, who throughout history studied Greek culture in depth and disseminated it with passion in Slovakia. From Zamarovsky to Skoviera and the young generation of Hellenists, with the outstanding scientists Yana Zozulak and Yana Gruskova, they all forged and are forming sincere friendship between our peoples.”

In her objection, the President of the Slovak Republic, Zuzana Caputova, thanked Ms. Sakellaropoula for her warm hospitality, expressed her joy that relations between the two countries have recently reached the high level they really deserve, and also the confidence that her visit will bring further contribution in this direction.

“We all carry a piece of your country in ourselves, having Mount Olympus in our hearts since childhood. Slovak students are taught the history of ancient Greece, which is the cornerstone of European culture, as well as amazing Greek mythology,” he said.

However, he noted that the proximity between the two countries is determined not only by their past, but above all by the present. Speaking about today, she spoke about the help of Slovak firefighters in last year’s fires in our country, as well as their specialists who participated in the reforestation of burned areas.

At the same time, he recalled that Greece and Slovakia are strong partners in the European Union and NATO, jointly respecting the values ​​of the rule of law and international law. “It is these values ​​that are undermined today by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This is directly related not only to millions of people in our neighbor in the east, but also in our two countries,” he said.

She also said she was proud that her fellow citizens had opened their hearts and homes to the tens of thousands of women and children who were forced to emigrate because of the war. “And they, like the Greeks, wish peace to Ukraine, Kherson or Mariupol, which also occupies an important place in your history. However, we know that peace will only be sustainable if Ukraine is free to choose which country it wants to belong to. No one can deny her this right,” he stressed.

He also argued that we must confront the consequences of this war together and added: “In the European Union, we agreed to become independent of Russian natural gas. I believe that this will lead to a wider use of clean energy sources. The question is not only in the fulfillment of our obligations, but also, to a greater extent, in our responsibility to future generations. I know that you have the same point of view, Madam President.”

She concluded by saying that her visit to Athens convinced her that the cooperation between Greece and Slovakia remains strong and that thanks to it we will overcome all challenges.

Source: APE/MEB