Greek and UK Prime Ministers Discuss Strengthening Bilateral Relations

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Photo source: Prime Minister’s press office

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in London on Tuesday to review their bilateral relations and reaffirm their commitment to deepening cooperation.

At the start of the meeting, Starmer welcomed Mitsotakis, saying, “It’s absolutely fantastic to welcome you here to Downing Street to build on our strong bilateral relationship and to discuss our common issues.”

The two leaders discussed areas of collaboration, including Greece’s role as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-26 term, as well as ways to strengthen EU-UK relations, particularly in security and defense.

“We’re very much looking forward to working with you in the UN in your new position, starting in a few weeks’ time,” Starmer said. “We’re closely aligned, so there’s a great deal we can build on.”

Prime Minister Mitsotakis emphasized Greece’s strong commitment to Greek-British relations, noting that the meeting presented an opportunity to further enhance their partnership. “These are turbulent times, and we are eager to build on the robust partnership our two countries have forged over many years,” he said.

Photo source: Prime Minister’s press office

The two leaders discussed various aspects of their bilateral cooperation, focusing on key areas such as the economy, shipping, and tourism. They also addressed the ongoing challenge of migration, with Greece at the forefront as a European border and first-reception country.

Mitsotakis and Starmer exchanged views on regional and international issues, particularly the situation in Ukraine. As the Greek Prime Minister noted before entering Downing Street, “We see the United Kingdom as integral to addressing the major security challenges we face, not just in Ukraine, but also in Southeastern Europe and the Middle East.”

The Cyprus issue was also on the agenda. Mitsotakis expressed his satisfaction with the informal dinner between President Christodoulides and Mr. Tatar, hosted by UN Secretary General António Guterres on October 15 in New York, and he expressed hope for the resumption of talks.

The Parthenon sculptures: A sensitive topic

According to press reports, Mitsotakis also addressed the sensitive issue of the Parthenon sculptures during his meeting with Starmer. He sought reassurances that the British government would not oppose any decisions made by the British Museum should it choose to respond positively to Greece’s request for the return of the sculptures.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis confirmed the Greek government’s position, stating that the demand for the return of the Parthenon sculptures remains a key priority. “It is a permanent request, which we continue to promote. It is a bilateral issue with the British Museum,” he said.

A recent survey by YouGov in the UK revealed that 53 percent of respondents support the return of the Parthenon Marbles, while 24 percent are opposed, and 23 percent are undecided. This survey adds weight to Greece’s ongoing efforts to reclaim the sculptures.

A British Museum official, when asked about the negotiations, diplomatically stated, “Our discussions with Greece regarding the Parthenon are continuous and constructive. We believe that a long-term cooperation will succeed in achieving the correct balance between the public’s access to our largest items and maintaining the integrity of our extraordinary collection.”