Greece and Lebanon are set to strengthen their relationship into a strategic partnership, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said Monday after meeting Lebanese President Joseph Aoun in Athens.
Speaking during joint statements with Aoun, who was visiting the Greek capital, Mitsotakis said the meeting confirmed the “deepest ties” between the two peoples.
“Greece stands by you,” Mitsotakis said, adding that Greece “unreservedly supports the sovereignty, independence and unity of Lebanon.”
He said Greece attaches particular importance to preserving Lebanon’s multicultural character and protecting its Christian communities. Mitsotakis also stressed that a strong state, with a central government capable of safeguarding the security of all citizens, is a prerequisite for a strong Lebanon.
“I want to express our full support for your initiatives, and I welcome your decision to invest in diplomacy and direct dialogue with Israel with American mediation,” Mitsotakis said. “Greece is ready to stand by every effort toward de-escalation.”
Meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Monday, August 31, 2026. (George Kontarinis / Eurokinissi)
Lebanon on the European agenda
Mitsotakis said Lebanon would remain high on both the Greek and European agendas.
The European Union has said it will begin procedures to establish a partnership with Lebanon, he said, adding that Greece would seek to launch the relevant discussions during its presidency of the EU.
“We will continue to work for your stability and the protection of your sovereignty,” Mitsotakis said.
He also highlighted the Lebanese Armed Forces as a key pillar of the country’s security.
“Our solidarity does not end with words. The Greek Armed Forces stand by you, and we are willing to support you even more,” Mitsotakis said.
Meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Monday, August 31, 2026. (George Kontarinis / Eurokinissi)
Support for reconstruction and investment
Mitsotakis said strengthening security alone would not be enough and that Greece would also support Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts.
“There are significant prospects for attracting investment and strengthening trade,” he said.
He also pointed to a shared vision of transforming the Eastern Mediterranean from a region of tensions into a peaceful area of cooperation and connectivity.
Meeting between Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Monday, August 31, 2026. (George Kontarinis / Eurokinissi)
“Greece believes in energy bridges and common infrastructure that bring together not only the countries of the region but the Eastern Mediterranean as a whole with Europe,” Mitsotakis said.
He stressed that Lebanon should have a central role, with decisions made by its institutions in the interests of its people.
“We are brotherly peoples, and today we are called upon to give new momentum to this centuries-old coexistence, with our eyes on the future,” Mitsotakis said.
