JOINT STATEMENT
by the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic
and the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic
Today’s first bilateral Summit between the Governments of the Hellenic Republic and the Italian Republic marks the relaunching of our bilateral relations and cooperation. We, the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Alexis Tsipras, and the Prime Minister of the Italian Republic, Mr Paolo Gentiloni, together with our Ministers, are proud to announce the main lines of this renewed cooperation.
In the field of foreign relations, we agreed to have frequent consultations and exchanges in line with our privileged relations and converging interests to international and regional peace and stability, especially in the Mediterranean, the Middle East and the Western Balkans. In line with the Thessaloniki Agenda, Greece and Italy reiterate their unequivocal support to the European perspective of the Western Balkans, in accordance with the set of conditionalities and on the basis of the principle of own merits.
Greece and Italy believe that there is a need to re-launch the European Union on the basis of its fundamental principles, in line with the Rome Declaration adopted on 25th March 2017. Italy and Greece are committed to make the most of the positive signs of economic recovery and will act together to contribute to a secure, prosperous, competitive, and socially responsible Union, where our citizens have new opportunities for cultural and social development and economic growth
Our countries support a further integration of the EU, particularly in the Eurozone, enhancing solidarity, social cohesion and economic convergence amongst Member States.
Italy and Greece attach particular importance to the Southern EU countries’ Summit, as an initiative aimed at strengthening European integration and contributing significantly to the dialogue on the future of the EU.
We are committed to strengthening a common European foreign policy with a view to rendering the EU an effective global actor and a credible security provider. To this end, we also share the interest in developing the European dimension of defence, in cooperation and full complementarity with NATO taking into account national circumstances and legal commitments.
The two governments condemn in the strongest terms terrorism in all its forms, acts of violence and any kind of attack on innocent citizens in Europe and elsewhere. They also reiterate their commitment in the fight against terrorism and extremism and call for more coordinated and resolute efforts.
Both countries recognise migration as a structural, complex and multifaceted European challenge linked to a series of factors and root causes that no EU Member state can address on its own. More efforts are needed at EU level for a common strategy to tackle migration and alleviate the migratory pressure on Greece and Italy. Our two countries are committed to further enhancing their cooperation, both bilaterally and at the EU level, including on a reform of the Common European Asylum System that should be based on fair burden sharing and the principles of solidarity and responsibility. We underline the importance to strengthen the cooperation at EU level with the countries of origin of migrants and the need to establish robust European mechanisms for resettlement and returns.
A sustainable and stable growth is a common goal. We should strengthen investments and further explore and exploit the potential for job creation, especially for the youth.
Our economies are strongly interconnected. Bearing in mind the significant volume of Greek investments in Italy and Italian investments in Greece, we should seek new opportunities for our enterprises, including SMEs, and promote cooperation for joint initiatives and ventures in third countries.
Both countries consider the energy sector as a key element for economic development and job creation, with a specific focus on natural gas, electricity and renewable sources. To this end, a joint declaration targeting cooperation in the energy field was signed today and is now released to the media.
We also emphasize the importance of transportation and transit trade, with the aim to create a coherent, multimodal and environmentally sustainable transport network.
Being fully aware that the two countries are very popular and appealing destinations for international tourists, we are determined to work together to further expand our role in the global tourism market.
Greece and Italy have a strong maritime tradition and share the same interests in promoting the enhancement of competitiveness and quality standards of European fleet, as well as liberalisation of the maritime market.
Our two countries, which are at the origin of some of the most influential intellectual achievements in the history of mankind, are widely acknowledged as founding contributors to the European cultural heritage.
In order to protect our common heritage, a bilateral Memorandum on combating smuggling of artifacts has just been signed here in Corfu.
Cooperation in the field of Education dates back to Antiquity and forms part of the well-rooted and strong relationship between the two countries and peoples. The competent Ministries will facilitate the teaching of the Italian language in Greece and the teaching of the Greek language in Italy. Efforts will also be made to increase the exchanges of University students and professors within the framework of existing European programmes, with a view to reinforcing mobility. To this end, the two Ministers of Foreign Affairs have signed today a Protocol to further enhance practical cooperation in these areas.
We agree to organize bilateral Summits on regular basis. In order to ensure the appropriate follow-up to our cooperation, we have agreed to set up an agile and result-oriented joint working group.
Corfu, 14th September 2017
