ATHENS – Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis paid a visit to the Athens suburb of Zografou on Monday, delivering a strong message that Albania’s European prospects are contingent on its respect for the rights of the Greek ethnic minority in the country.

“I am pleased to hear that Fredi Beleris emerged victorious in the municipal elections in Himare,” he stated, expressing hope that the challenges faced by the ethnic Greek candidate will soon be resolved.

Mitsotakis also addressed Greek-Turkish relations, indicating that he prefers not to make any comments while the runoff elections in Turkey are pending. However, he highlighted that his government has effectively dealt with Turkish aggression by investing in the Armed Forces, forging alliances, and elevating Greek-Turkish issues to the EU-Turkey platform. “This approach should continue in the future,” he emphasized. While expressing hope for improvements in Turkey, Mitsotakis underscored the need for Greece to be prepared for all eventualities.

Regarding the upcoming national elections, the prime minister emphasized that the path set for the country must be irreversible. Finally, he conveyed a message for the elections, stating that “the stronger New Democracy is on the night of May 21st, the more confident I will be that the next four years will once again belong to New Democracy.”