Athens, 2 June 2024 (MIA) - I expect the Prime Minister-designate of North Macedonia to publicly, in a clear and categorical manner, state that he respects the Prespa Agreement, that the name of his country is North Macedonia, erga omnes for all uses both inside and outside the country, Greece's Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis. He also mentioned that he will address this matter at the upcoming NATO Summit, expressing confidence that logic will prevail in Skopje, MIA’s Athens correspondent reported.

During today's press briefing on the island of Crete, ahead of the European elections on June 9, Mitsotakis responded to a series of questions from journalists, covering topics including relations with our country and adherence to the Prespa Agreement.

Mitsotakis stated that they are currently observing that "VMRO's intention is practically to dispute the one and only name for all," and emphasized that "Greece will not accept this."

Concerning whether he will address the specific issue at the NATO Summit in Washington in July, Mitsotakis responded affirmatively and pointed out that "it will be the first chance to meet on the same platform with the new Prime Minister of North Macedonia."

"Of course, I will raise the issue at the NATO Summit to mark the Alliance's 75th anniversary. And indeed, I would encourage the leadership of Skopje not to jeopardize the European course, which our country has supported, and which I believe the citizens themselves desire. To understand that the elections are over, that populism in foreign policy may attract votes, but it doesn't sustain the conduct of a serious foreign policy when someone formally assumes office. I believe that in the end, logic will prevail, and there will be recognition of what is implied in the Agreement, which has negative aspects for us, but one of the important dimensions is precisely the single composite name for all, and this, in practice, cannot be disputed by anyone," Mitsotakis said at the press briefing, as reported by MIA.

He reiterated that they will seek absolute alignment on this issue, stating that they are in the same line with both the EU and the US.

"Let me emphasize that we are not alone. The European Commission says exactly the same thing, the US says the same thing. So, Greece is not isolated, Skopje is isolated, following this policy, and therefore I think that in the end logic will prevail, and North Macedonia will return to the difficult path of alignment with European criteria. If it does so, Greece will be the first to support this effort," Mitsotakis noted.

During the 90-minute press briefing in Crete, the Greece’s Prime Minister responded to questions related to both domestic and foreign policies of the country.

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