ATHENS – Government spokesperson Yiannis Oikonomou on Thursday began his briefing to the press with a reference to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ visits to Israel and Russia.

Regarding the visit to Israel, he said that the joint declaration issued by the Trilateral Summit contained a reference to sovereign rights in the Eastern Mediterranean. Additionally, it underlined the importance given by the three countries (Greece, Cyprus and Israel) to respect for international law and the international law of the sea, for the protection of sovereign rights and for preserving peace and stability in the region.

The spokesperson also referred to the prime minister’s visit to Russia:

“Yesterday, on Wednesday, the prime minister met Russian President Vladimir Putin in Sochi. Greece hopes to further advance bilateral cooperation in sectors such as tourism, investments, the promotion of the economic collaboration and energy. Both leaders exchanged views on the further development of bilateral relations between our countries,” Oikonomou said.

Turning to the health crisis, he underlined that the pandemic continues and the situation has become more crucial ahead of the holidays, which have a particular significance in economic, social and religious terms.

“Professionals in all fields are anxiously expecting to work and it is the duty of each of us, with a strict observation of the measures and mainly by vaccination, to not hinder the operation of the market and most importantly to not to put other people at risk,” Oikonomou said.

He also pointed out that the government is “continuing the strategy it has embarked on, with emphasis on the weapons we has at our disposal. Emphasis on vaccination, both the first and booster shots, frequent testing and observing the personal health and protection measures.”