First of all, let me express my satisfaction being at this wonderful location. This is the first international venue organised by the new UK Prime Minister. Let me wish Sir Kier best of luck. I do hope that he will work towards a more constructive relationship between the United Kingdom and the European Union.
As we meet here today, a very important vote is taking place in Strasbourg, and I do hope that Ursula von der Leyen will be reconfirmed as the President of the European Commission. I think it’s important in these challenging times to have continuity, stability, and experience at the helm of the European Commission. The agenda that she has presented regarding the priorities of the European Union, topics related to competitiveness, common European defence, protecting our European way of life, addressing issues of migration, are also important topics that will be discussed today at the European Political Community, because these are topics which are relevant for all European countries.
One final point. In two days from today, July 20th will mark the 50th anniversary of the Turkish invasion of Cyprus, which has resulted in the occupation of a third of the island. It is the last divided European territory. I would hope that this issue will be finally resolved and that the discussions between the two communities resume under the auspices of the United Nations, always in line with the Security Council resolutions that define the possible solution to this long-standing problem.
Journalist: What needs to happen on the issue of migration?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Well, as you know, the European Union has been focused much more on the question of protecting the external borders of the Union. I think this is the right priority. We have legislated, as you know, the European Pact on Asylum and Migration, which is a significant progress in terms of addressing this problem at the European level. But of course, we also need to work with the countries of origin, with the countries of transit, in order to reduce illegal migration and focus more on legal pathways to migration.
Greece, for example, has worked constructively with Turkey in order to ensure that it is not the smugglers who decide who will enter the European Union, but the sovereign states who have the ultimate responsibility for making these decisions.
Journalist: Prime Minister, how easy would it be to come to a deal (inaudible)?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: First of all, this is the first international meeting organised by the new British Prime Minister, and I want to wish him the best of luck. I would hope that the United Kingdom focuses on a more constructive relationship with the European Union. There’s a lot to be discussed with the new Prime Minister, and I also hope that I will be able to have a bilateral meeting with him.
Journalist: Would you expect a new deal on migration in the next few months?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Well, let’s see.
Journalist: What would you want from that?
Kyriakos Mitsotakis: Let’s see. I think there’s a lot to discuss. Thank you.
