Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis meets with the new German Ambassador, Εrnst Reichel (Athens, 5 September 2019)

Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis today met with the new German Ambassador to Greece, Εrnst Reichel.

Discussion focused on issues of European interest, with emphasis on the Migration issue and how to deal with the rapid increase in migrant flows that Greece has been experiencing in the past two months. Mr. Reichel noted that the German side is monitoring the situation with concern and conveyed his government’s solidarity and readiness to provide support on the issue.

Mr. Varvitsiotis set out Greece’s position on the Multiannual Financial Framework for 2021-2027, and in particular with regard to the distribution of Cohesion Policy and Common Agricultural Policy resources. With regard to the Brexit, the Alternate Minister briefed the German Ambassador on the intensive preparations of the Greek authorities for the eventuality of a no-deal Brexit, ahead of the 31 October deadline. Mr. Reichel agreed with the need for optimum preparation by the EU member states, as the recent developments in the UK have increased the uncertainty regarding the outcome of the Brexit.

During their meeting, which took place in a very friendly atmosphere, they reaffirmed the excellent level of bilateral relations and the two country’s shared desire to further deepen their bilateral cooperation.

Finally, the German Ambassador proposed that the Alternate Minister and his German counterpart meet soon for consultations.