Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Greek Navy frigate Kimon in the port of Piraeus on Saturday, in a high-profile ceremony highlighting close defense ties between the two countries.
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
The French president arrived by motorcade and was received by the Greek prime minister, alongside the defense minister and senior military officials. A formal inspection of the honor guard followed, accompanied by the playing of both national anthems.
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Military honors and Rafale flyover
During the anthem ceremony, French-made Rafale fighter jets performed a flyover above the port, marking the occasion. Following the military honors, the two leaders boarded the frigate.
The visit included a broad delegation from both countries, including defense ministers, deputy foreign ministers, and the heads of Greece’s armed forces and navy.
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Tour of the frigate “Kimon”
On board, the frigate’s commander, Lieutenant Commander Ioannis Kizanis, guided the two leaders through key operational areas of the vessel. The tour began at the operations center and continued through the planning room before concluding on the ship’s bridge.
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
The French president also signed the frigate’s visitors’ book, leaving a lengthy message.
After the inspection, Mitsotakis and Macron disembarked shortly after 11 a.m., concluding the naval segment of the visit.
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026. (ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and the President of France Emmanuel Macron to the frigate “KIMON”, Saturday, April 25, 2026.(ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Broader visit agenda
Earlier in the day, the two leaders met at the port of Piraeus before boarding the frigate. The visit is part of a broader program
that also includes participation in a Greek-French business forum at a cultural center in Athens later in the day.
