N. KOTZIAS: It is a great pleasure to be here in Lebanon, which I am visiting for the first time. We have fine weather. The country has a new President. We are moving ahead together in a friendly atmosphere, contemplating the future of our three countries.
This past September, in Rhodes, we created a positive agenda for the relations among Cyprus, Lebanon and Greece and we are continuing down this path. We believe that Lebanon is the country that is showing everyone in Europe the way to solve all the problems of the Middle East. It's a country where different religions collaborate and coexist. Diversity imparts a positive impetus to this country, which faithfully follows the path of tolerance and respect. We are proud to be sharing a common course and be working together with the government of the friendly country of Lebanon. We will continue throughout the day to exchange views and seek new forms of collaboration. Thank you.
JOURNALIST: What is the Greek government’s reaction to the election of Donald Trump as the new President of the United States?
N. KOTZIAS: We would like to congratulate the new President of the United States of America, Mr. Trump. As the Greek government, we have systematically developed relations with both the Democratic and Republican parties. We had frequent talks – quite a while before the elections – with the Trump team on issues concerning the region, with the latest talks taking place in late September.
The Greek government, like every Greek government, has always had good relations with the American state and the American people. We continue to work in order to further advance our stable, good and creative relations with the American political system and the American people. As you know, we are expecting President Obama in Athens in a few days, and, as the exit polls showed, he continues to enjoy great popularity. His meetings with the Greek Prime Minister and with the Greek government, in general, will be positive and creative.
November 9, 2016