Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is preparing for one of the most packed diplomatic 48-hour periods of his tenure, moving between two capitals of profound historical and geopolitical significance: Istanbul and London. On one hand, the commemorations marking 1,700 years since the First Ecumenical Council, featuring both Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. On the other, the high-profile Greek investment conference, which serves as a barometer of Greece’s economic image in international markets.
Istanbul: Symbolic and geopolitical significance
According to sources, the Prime Minister is seriously considering attending the main ceremonies in Istanbul, where the message of unity among Christian traditions will take center stage. The Pope’s visit to Nicaea and Istanbul, alongside Patriarch Bartholomew, represents a highly symbolic event during a period of geopolitical tension in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The events, culminating on November 29–30, include high-level meetings, a joint declaration by the Pope and Patriarch, religious ceremonies, and visits to emblematic sites. Mitsotakis’ potential presence adds an extra layer of political weight, highlighting Greece’s engagement at a sensitive and symbolic moment for the Christian world.
London awaits: Morgan Stanley – EXAE and international investors
Immediately after, on December 1–2, the Prime Minister will travel to London for the major Greek investment conference hosted by Morgan Stanley and the Athens Exchange (EXAE). Attendees will include top bankers, investors, analysts, and representatives of Greece’s largest listed companies.
The conference effectively serves as the year-end review of Greece’s international economic recognition, with the stock market hitting multi-year highs and international ratings agencies affirming the country’s progress. Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis will also be present, reinforcing Greece’s message of fiscal stability and ongoing reforms.
Parthenon Marbles remain on the agenda
The Parthenon Marbles issue continues to hover over any Greek prime ministerial visit to London. Mitsotakis may hold discussions on the matter with the British Museum’s director, George Osborne, as talks have been ongoing for years.
While the museum’s trustees have rejected Greece’s demand for full restitution, they have expressed willingness for loans and collaborative projects. Greece, however, insists that the full reunification of the 75-meter frieze, 15 metopes, and 17 pedimental sculptures is non-negotiable.
British Museum Director Nicholas Cullinan has indicated potential cooperation, while Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that “reunification is closer than at any time in the past fifty years.”
With Istanbul at the center of a historic religious convergence and London as the stage for Greece’s economic showcase, Kyriakos Mitsotakis is gearing up for two days of exceptionally high political intensity. Diplomacy, investments, history, and national issues converge in a 48-hour window that could have meaningful implications across multiple fronts.
Source: pagenews.gr