ROME — President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou, at the invitation of the President of the Italian Republic Sergio Matarella, on Wednesday participated in the 16th Informal Meeting of the Heads of State of the Arraiolos Group, which is taking place in Rome this year.

At the morning session, entitled "The EU on the Road to Strategic Autonomy: Obligations and Opportunities", Sakellaropoulou referred to the need for Europe to enhance its influence in an ever-changing world and to reaffirm its role as a guarantor of its fundamental values, such as respect for the rule of law and fundamental rights, freedom of the press and the independence of the judiciary, which are pillars of European democracy and essential elements of the European way of life.

In particular, with regard to the developments in Afghanistan, the President stressed that Europe must protect the Afghan population, particularly Afghan women, who are fighting to defend their rights, and effectively manage a possible humanitarian and refugee crisis.

The afternoon session will focus on "The EU's contribution to multilateralism in the post-pandemic world" followed by a press conference by the heads of state participating in the summit.