Official dinner in honor of the German president, Frank-Walter Steinmeierwho is making an official visit to our country, present on Wednesday at the Presidential Palace by the President of the Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou.
“Greece is a guarantor of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean and the wider region, it shares the common values that comprise Europe and does its best to promote and deepen them” said Mrs. Sakellaropoulou, during her address.
Speaking to the German president and his wife, PtD noted that their visit is the same finalize close bonds of friendship which connects the two communities, as well as constructive cooperation in all areas. She also said that she gives them a special welcome in Athens, in return for her visit to Berlin, two years ago.
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At the same time, he said that “Greek and Germanic civilizations have had a successful relationship for centuries, with exquisite results in the arts, letters, philosophy, sciences. Goethe, Hegel, Nietzsche, Mann and so many other German intellectuals were definitely influenced by the spirit of Ancient Greece, which gave mankind great works. Even the Presidential Palace, where we are, is a model of neoclassical architecture, a typical example of Greek-German osmosis, inspired by the great German architect Ernesto Ziller.”
He also recalled that “the presence of Germany this year, as an honored country at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition, shows the our mutual consent to further strengthen bilateral economic and trade relationsalthough our cooperation in the fields of education, culture and archeology strengthens the contacts between our communities”.
Referring to international developments, she argued that “it is clear, for the most part, the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the flare-up in the Middle East, following the terrorist attacks by Hamas against Israel , as well as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. in the painful way, that peace should not be accepted.” “We recognize the right of countries to self-defense, but with full respect for International Humanitarian Law“, he said.
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He also noted that contemporary challenges such as the issue of immigration and refugees, the climate crisis and the growing accuracy, are putting pressure on citizens’ confidence in democratic institutions and intensifying alarming phenomena, such as the rise of conflict and of nationalism, even in Europe.
“The current situation, with the emerging geopolitical crises, shows the importance of the energy and strategic autonomy of the European Union, as well as its increase. Europe must be able to intervene actively, with one voice, in international affairs and defend its own position, by its own means“, added Ms. Sakellaropoulou.
Finally, he expressed that he hoped that the presence of Mr. Steinmeier in Athens, will confirm the high level of bilateral relations and contribute to the expansion of cooperation in areas of common interest.
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b. Steinmeier: Mentally and emotionally we are much closer than geographically
For his part, the German President began his disagreement with Odysseus Elytis, recalling the words of the Greek poet during the awarding of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1979, when he declared “The only chapter in my hands is some Greek words. They are humble but alive, since they are on the lips of the whole community. They are three thousand years old but cool as if you pulled them out of the sea (…) The word is sky, the word is sea, the word is sun and it is also the word freedom”.
As said by Mr. Steinmeier “Sky, sea, sun, freedom, four simple words, unchanged for thousands of years, in order to describe the soul of his homeland and contribute to the understanding of the Hellenic Republic, Greece” and clarified that “the four words It is not enough to understand Greece. Philosophy, democracy, drama and poetry are four other words that immediately come to mind and are undoubtedly an equally important aspect of Greek identity.».
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At the same time, he noted that “it is difficult to find another country, which has shaped our common European culture more strongly, it is difficult to find another country, which, especially Germans, believes that we deeply understand, because we know that much of our culture has its roots here. Mentally and emotionally, Greece is much closer to us than it is geographically! The culture of Ancient Greece had a fundamental and above all influence on the evolution of my country over time”.
Referring to the modern era, he argued that “we are connected by much more than our shared history and cultural history. This is reflected in my visit, which is representative of the diversity of our connections.” Afterwards, he expressed his gratitude to Ms. Sakellaropoulou for the warm welcome he and his wife received.
As he noted, “it is an expression of great gratitude that I have been given the opportunity to begin my fourth visit as Federal President to Your beautiful country with you in your home town. Not only do we both have a passion – and I would even say an above average passion – for Constitutional Law, we also believe that no country can tackle the great challenges of our time alone.”
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In particular, he recalled that “after a period of crises in Europe, some of which were a burden on our relations, we are with full confidence in favor of closer cooperation in Europe. And it fills me with joy to see – and feel – here in this place, how Greece and Germany came together again». Speaking about the wider economic and bilateral cooperation, he emphasized that “our economic relations are close, we cooperate in a spirit of trust in both the European Union and NATO. But more than that, the human connections, these travelers are our two worlds, those across the two cultures, that connect our two countries, representative examples of which, among others, the painter Aris Kalaizis, football legend. player Otto Rehagel and journalist Giorgos Pappas, who will accompany me on this trip”.
Finally, he pointed out that “Germany is a second home for 360,000 Greeks. And vice versa, thousands of German men and women have found a second home in Greece. And that is why I have four more words with me today, which I want to use and which I connect on a very personal level with Greece: the word is hospitality, the word is warmth, the word is trust , and the word is friendship’.
Title: Building Bridges: An Interview with Cultural Historian Dr. Elena Papadopoulos on Greek-German Relations
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Papadopoulos, and thank you for joining us today. The recent official dinner in honor of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, hosted by President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, was quite a significant event. Can you share your thoughts on the importance of this visit for Greek-German relations?
Dr. Papadopoulos: Thank you for having me. This visit is indeed significant. It emphasizes the long-standing friendship between Greece and Germany, rooted not only in historical connections but also in shared values and culture. President Sakellaropoulou highlighted Greece’s role as a guarantor of security and stability in the Eastern Mediterranean—this is especially relevant given the current geopolitical challenges.
Editor: President Sakellaropoulou noted that Greek and German civilizations have had a successful relationship for centuries, influencing fields such as philosophy and the arts. What do you think makes this relationship enduring?
Dr. Papadopoulos: One of the key aspects of this relationship is the mutual respect and admiration for each other’s cultural contributions. Figures like Goethe, Hegel, and Nietzsche have all drawn inspiration from Ancient Greek thought. This intellectual lineage creates a bond that transcends mere diplomacy. It’s about understanding and appreciating the narratives that shape both nations.
Editor: In her address, President Sakellaropoulou also mentioned contemporary challenges like the immigration crisis and climate change, which impact democratic institutions. How do Greece and Germany collaborate on these issues?
Dr. Papadopoulos: Collaboration is crucial in addressing these pressing challenges. Germany’s robust economic framework, paired with Greece’s strategic location, can foster effective policy-making in European forums. Their joint commitment to fostering democratic values and upholding international humanitarian law is vital amid rising nationalism and conflict.
Editor: President Steinmeier remarked that, culturally and emotionally, Greece is much closer to Germany than geography suggests. How do you interpret this statement?
Dr. Papadopoulos: It’s a beautiful sentiment. What Steinmeier is emphasizing is the deep cultural ties that bind us—it’s about shared history and philosophical roots. The essence of Greek culture—encapsulated in ideals such as democracy, freedom, and art—resonates strongly within German society. Such connections foster a sense of belonging that goes beyond physical proximity.
Editor: He further mentioned the ongoing geopolitical crises, highlighting the need for the EU to have a more unified voice on the international stage. What role do you see Greece playing in this new landscape?
Dr. Papadopoulos: Greece has a pivotal role to play, especially as a frontline state in the Eastern Mediterranean. By promoting energy and strategic autonomy, Greece can help steer EU foreign policy initiatives. Its historical ties with both the West and the East put it in a unique position to mediate and influence discussions on international security and cooperation.
Editor: Steinmeier’s visit coincided with Germany being an honored country at the Thessaloniki International Exhibition. How does this reflect on bilateral economic relations?
Dr. Papadopoulos: Being the honored country at such a prominent exhibition underlines a renewed commitment to strengthening economic ties. It provides a platform for showcasing mutual investments, trade initiatives, and collaboration in sectors like technology, tourism, and education, further solidifying a partnership that benefits both nations economically and culturally.
Editor: As we look ahead, what is your hope for the future of Greek-German relations?
Dr. Papadopoulos: My hope is for the continuation and deepening of this relationship. We are at a pivotal moment where understanding and cooperation can lead to positive change not just for Greece and Germany, but for Europe as a whole. By reinforcing our shared values and addressing contemporary challenges together, we can pave the way for a stronger, more united Europe.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Papadopoulos, for your insights today. It’s clear that the cultural, economic, and historical ties between Greece and Germany provide a solid foundation for future collaboration.
Dr. Papadopoulos: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important connections!