French President Macron visits Greece to strengthen strategic ties

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Athens on April 24, 2026, for a multi-day official visit aimed at renewing the strategic cooperation agreement between France and Greece for another five years. On April 25, Macron and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the frigate Kimon at the Port of Piraeus, which had recently arrived in the country. During the tour of the warship, the French President discussed the vessel's capabilities with the commanding officer and noted that the crew had spent over 40 days at sea near Cyprus to test its systems. Following the visit to the Piraeus pier, the leaders held formal meetings at the Maximos Mansion, followed by the signing of new bilateral agreements and a joint press conference. The official schedule also included an address at the Greek-French Business Forum at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and a public discussion at the Roman Agora. An official dinner at the Presidential Mansion was organized to host various dignitaries, business leaders, and cultural figures. The visit underscores the deepening defense and security partnership between the two nations.