Greek Prime Minister meets with Patriarch of Antioch in Beirut
On Monday, 16 December 2024, The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited Lebanon on an official mission, underlining Greece’s commitment to fostering stability in the region.
At 11:00 a.m., the Prime Minister met with His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch and All the East at the Metropolis of Beirut, with His Eminence Metropolitan Elias of Beirut also in attendance.
The Prime Minister expressed Greece’s unwavering support for the Patriarchate of Antioch, acknowledging its pivotal role in a region grappling with the challenges of ongoing developments in Syria and Lebanon.
“We are at a very critical juncture,” Mitsotakis stated. “I am the first European leader to visit following the recent developments in Lebanon and Syria. I bring with me the love and support of the Greek people for the Patriarchate, which plays such a vital role in this troubled region.”
Patriarch John X warmly welcomed the Prime Minister, describing the visit as a testament to Greece’s deep ties with Lebanon, Syria, and the Patriarchate. “It is a great pleasure to receive you here in the Metropolis of Beirut,” the Patriarch said.
“Your presence highlights the love and commitment you, as well as your government, have for these lands and their people. Antioch is where the disciples were first called Christians.”
The Patriarch briefed the Prime Minister on the current situation in Lebanon and Syria, emphasising the challenges facing Christians in the region.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati welcomed his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis at Beirut airport on Monday morning. During his reception, Mitsotakis said he was very happy to be visiting Beirut, noting that his visit demonstrates Greece’s strong commitment to Lebanon.
“You know the strong ties between Lebanon and Greece, I don’t need to repeat them, they are well known. The fact that I am the first foreign leader to visit Lebanon after the ceasefire and the developments in Syria means a lot to me. We have a lot to discuss,” he said.
On his part, the Lebanese prime minister agreed with Mitsotakis, expressed the belief that “in a way we are neighbours” and added: “Cyprus and Greece are so close to us and we always strive for the best relationship.”
Prime Minister Mitsotakis had a meeting with the Prime Minister of Lebanon at the Grand Serail Mansion, which was to be followed by joint statements by the two leaders.
Source: ANA-MPA / orthodoxtimes.com
