I met this morning with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, Ms Truss. We had an extensive discussion on issues related to defence but also beyond that, on the situation in the Balkans, as well as on investment and education issues, more generally on the overall scope of Greek-British relations; especially in view of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visit to the United Kingdom in mid-November. I would like to say that the discussions were extremely important. We were also able to look at the problems we face on the Cyprus issue, problems in the Eastern Mediterranean, and problems related to the implementation of the Law of the Sea. We had the opportunity to sign a Greek-British Agreement that covers all fields, defence, trade, educational relations, anything that can be conceived to be of interest to both countries.
And what I would like us to do from now on is to be able to add substance to this Agreement by implementing it; to further develop our relations and prove that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union does not in any way mean a decrease in its relations with Greece. Instead, it is an opportunity for closer, deeper, more sincere bilateral relations.
Allow me to make a separate statement on the passing of Fofi Gennimata. I knew Fofi Gennimata well; she was Alternate Minister of National Defence at the time I was serving as Minister in this Ministry. I was connected to her by ties of friendship and appreciation. I am sincerely and deeply saddened by her passing. I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to her family and to state that her modest and serious presence graced the Greek political landscape.