Mitsotakis in Jerusalem & Ramallah: Diplomatic Crossroads Ahead of Christmas

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis embarks on a high-stakes foreign mission on December 22, holding back-to-back meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah. The trip comes amid ongoing regional tensions and aims to revive dialogue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Simultaneously, Mitsotakis will join a virtual summit of the “Alliance of the Willing” on Ukraine and remains in close coordination with Nicosia on the Cyprus issue.

 Strategic Crossroads in the Middle East

During a period of heightened international focus on Israeli-Palestinian peace, Mitsotakis’ visit carries multiple dimensions:

• Meeting with B. Netanyahu in Jerusalem comes as Greece seeks closer cooperation on security, energy, and regional stability, reinforcing bilateral ties with Tel Aviv.
• Meeting with Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah signals an effort to restart dialogue with the Palestinian side, reflecting Athens’ balanced approach rooted in international law.

Greek diplomacy continues to support a two-state solution and the promotion of peaceful negotiations, despite longstanding regional divisions.

Greece, Cyprus, and Regional Challenges

Last Thursday, the Prime Minister held a phone call with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, discussing the latest developments on the Cyprus issue ahead of renewed UN-led talks. Both sides emphasized absolute coordination between Athens and Nicosia, aligned with UN Security Council resolutions and European values.

The Greek government has consistently stressed that priority remains a just and sustainable solution, including continued negotiations with respect for international law.

 International Strategy: From Ukraine to the Middle East

Alongside his Middle East trip, Mitsotakis will participate in the “Alliance of the Willing” virtual summit—coordinated by leaders of the UK, France, and Germany to support Ukraine amid ongoing Russian threats.

This engagement underscores Greece’s commitment to European and global security and its ambition to act as a reliable partner in key geopolitical arenas.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ upcoming mission to Jerusalem and Ramallah marks a critical moment in Greece’s foreign policy, at a time of expanding geopolitical challenges. With a dual focus on the Middle East and Europe, Athens aims to strengthen both its regional and global diplomatic footprint while actively supporting resolutions to long-standing conflicts.