ATHENS — "The government has steadily demonstrated that it pursues an active foreign policy. It is strengthening the old alliances and creating new ones in our wider neighborhood," government spokesperson Aristotelia Peloni said on Monday during a press briefing.

"It works for peace and seeks cooperation with the country's neighbours. It moves with national confidence, prudence and determination. It has proved this, both through its strong stance in Evros and with its stance against the delinquent behaviour of Turkey in the Eastern Mediterranean from May onwards."

She also stressed: "At the same time, it has highlighted the European dimension of Turkish behaviour, pointing out that the borders of Greece are also the external borders of Europe. And through decisions of the European Council, it has linked Turkey's behaviour with its European perspective."

Referring to the epidemiological situation, the government spokesperson said: "We are in a very fragile balance and we must all contribute to stopping the spread. Constant vigilance, the avoidance of gatherings, the universal use of the mask, good ventilation of enclosed spaces but also a preference for outdoor spaces are basic measures of individual and collective defence. At the same time, however, we must make use of the weapons at our disposal: self tests and vaccinations."

Regarding the support of companies and employees, she said that "this week the finance ministry's bill for state aid is being discussed in Parliament."

As for the prime minister's programme, she said: "This afternoon, on the day of Hellenism and International Solidarity, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis will attend the opening of the exhibition organised by the Parliament for the 200 years since the Revolution of 1821 and is entitled 'Facing Freedom! In the Greek Parliament two centuries later.'

On Tuesday, the prime minister will go to the Andravida air base in Ilia to attend part of a multinational exercise.

On Wednesday morning, he will receive the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, at the Maximos Mansion."