Pedro Sánchez highlights the good relationship between Spain and Greece and the progress towards a 360º vision of Europe that also looks to the south

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, has received the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriákos Mitsotákis, with whom he discussed issues focused on strengthening bilateral relations with Greece in the areas of economic cooperation, infrastructure development, the defence industry, European policies and common interests.

Highlighting the progress of the economies of both countries within the European Union, Pedro Sánchez highlighted Spain's growth and leadership among the large OECD economies and the growth forecasts accompanied by the maintenance of a responsible fiscal policy focused on reducing indebtedness.

At a European level, President Sánchez stressed the need to develop European public goods and defended Spain's firm commitment to achieving the 2% target in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. He also called for progress in the area of cooperation and security in order to achieve a 360º vision of Europe that also looks to the south.

Together with Prime Minister Mitsotákis, Pedro Sánchez highlighted migration as a priority for both countries and the defence of a legal, humane and orderly model based on the Migration and Asylum Pact. "Because responsibility and solidarity must go hand in hand," he stressed. With regard to the new Mediterranean Pact, he focused on the interest in contributing to stability in the Middle East.

Meeting between the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, at the Moncloa Palace | Pool Moncloa / Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

President Sánchez highlighted the challenge shared by both Spain and Greece in managing the impacts generated by climate change, claiming that "climate adaptation is not a political option, it is a necessity" and thanked Prime Minister Mitsotákis for the support provided by Greek firefighters during last summer's fires. Pedro Sánchez also valued the opportunity to advance in the transformation of the energy model by strengthening collaboration between the two countries.

Focusing on the defence of democracy, President Sánchez underlined the need to respond firmly and to defend international law, as well as to defend the geopolitical order based on rules and norms in order to move forwards, also in terms of prosperity, citing the EU-Mercosur agreement as an example.

On the other hand, he highlighted the support of both countries to promote the European Democracy Shield as a governance tool for digital sovereignty, with special protection for minors.

Non official translation