He also said that there was a positive side to the meeting’s cancellation “in that Greece’s just demand for the reunification of the Parthenon Marbles gained even greater publicity, not only in the United Kingdom but also in global public opinion.”

On her part, Sakellaropoulou said that the Parthenon is a symbol not only of the classical period but is important for the planet, for world cultural heritage, because it is a symbol of Democracy and Philosophy. “The reunification of the Marbles has been a demand of the country almost since the Greek state’s foundation … and one that has in recent years – and I consider this very important – met with the understanding and acknowledgement of international public opinion, of British public opinion. And this is, perhaps, the greatest gain. There are some issues that are not resolved automatically but need time,” she said.

Mitsotakis visited Sakellaropoulou for the regular monthly briefing of the president by the prime minister.