Steinmeier's visit - Recognition of Atrocities: Greece tells Germany on relevance of WWII reparations

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis raised the issue of World War II reparations and the forced occupation credit with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier during their meeting at the Maximos Mansion on Wednesday, Ekathimerini reports.

‘These issues remain unresolved, and we hope that one day they will be resolved,’ Mitsotakis told Steinmeier, who is on a three-day official visit to Greece.

Mitsotakis welcomed Steinmeier's plans to visit his homeland of Crete on Thursday, in particular Kandanos, a village in western Crete that was subjected to brutal Nazi repression in June 1941. He noted that Steinmeier's visit is a recognition of the atrocities committed on the island during World War II.

Earlier in the day, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou also raised the issue of reparations with Steinmeier, who replied that Berlin considered the matter legally closed.

Nevertheless, Mitsotakis stressed a new chapter in Greek-German relations.

‘Greece has recovered economically, leaving behind the turbulent times and crises,’ he said.

Steinmeier also spoke positively about Greece's economic recovery, the current progress in economic relations and the strong presence of German investment.

Earlier, King Charles apologises for Britain's colonial past at Commonwealth summit amid calls for reparations for slavery.