Prime minister heading to Beirut on Friday

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is heading to Beirut on Friday, for a visit government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis on Thursday described as "a powerful message in support of stability and peace in the region." 

Seeking to convey Athens' support for a ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah on November 26 in the war-torn region, the Greek prime minister's visit is expected to include talks with Lebanon's caretaker prime minister, Najib Mikati, and House speaker Nabih Berri.

"The prime minister is expected to reaffirm Greece's readiness to assist in strengthening Lebanon's state institutions, including its armed forces, which play a critical role in enforcing the ceasefire," said Marinakis, adding that Mitsotakis will also be meeting with members of the Greek community in Lebanon.

The visit is particularly symbolic, he added, "as Kyriakos Mitsotakis...