Greek Prime Minister and ruling New Democracy (ND) leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis welcomed European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the party’s 15th conference on Sunday morning.

In her address at the conference, she emphasized Greece’s pivotal role in NATO’s global democracy framework, collective security and support for Ukraine, as well as its strong position within the European Union.

Von der Leyen, who will again vie for the top European Commission post, credited the people of Greece, center-right ND and  Mitsotakis personally for Greece’s recent remarkable recovery, as she said.

Additionally, she commended the country’s economic leadership under Mitsotakis government, stating “And I want to commend you for that. It’s truly impressive. Not too long ago, Greece was facing chaos, but under your leadership, Greece has become an economic leader; Greece’s economy has surpassed the European average.”

The party conference is taking place at the neo-classical Zappeion Hall in central Athens, adjacent to Parliament.