German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday in an interview with 'Ta Nea' newspaper that she is deeply respectful of the courage and determination of Greece and North Macedonia in moving forward with the Prespes Agreement.

Compromises are never easy, she said, while adding that they pave the way for a better future.

Greece has a long and proud history and gave birth to the European idea democracy, she underlined and added: Greece and North Macedonia gave us a bright example of what Europe means.

Referring to Greek-German defence relations, the German minister noted: NATO's mission to the Aegean is the perfect example of what effective cooperation in NATO can offer us in order to resolve complex issues. In Afghanistan and in Kosovo, we also see our soldiers working side by side on a daily basis. And we work together to strengthen European defence.