French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Tuesday the signing of a  frigate-purchasing agreement with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, as part of a deeper strategic partnership to defend their common interests at sea.

The Greek Prime Minister acknowledged the agreement, which includes the purchase of 3 frigates from France, along with the option of purchasing a fourth as Athens aims to enhance its military capabilities.

The deal comes at a time when French-American relations are facing a severe diplomatic crisis, following Following the announcement of the new strategic security alliance between the US, Britain, and Australia which retracted a significant contract in which it would purchase Canberra French submarines.

Macron: We must abandon naivety

The French President took advantage of the occasion to speak about transatlantic connections, emphasizing that the recent deal with the Athens administration is a significant first step toward European strategic independence.

Macron urged Europeans to "abandon naivety" and "learn lessons" from the US' new geopolitical decisions, centered on its rivalry with China.

"The Europeans must stop being naive. When we are under pressure from powers, which at times harden (their stance) , we need to react and show that we have the power and capacity to defend ourselves. Not escalating things, but protecting ourselves," Macron stated.

He added "This isn't an alternative to the United States alliance. It's not a substitution, but to take responsibility of the European pillar within NATO and draw the conclusions that we are asked to take care of our own protection."

"The US is a great historical friend and ally", he stated. However, he described that in the last decade Washington focused solely on itself and sought out its own strategic interests.

"If we refuse to learn our lessons, we will make grave mistakes." 

As a result, the French President encouraged Europeans to secure their own protection.