Dear Mr. Secretary,
I am glad to welcome you today, amidst the second round of strategic dialogue between Greece and the US.
A vital process for strengthening ties between our two countries.
I just came back about a week ago from the US. During my stay, I had the opportunity to take part in the United Nations main events and meet with Secretary of Trade Mr. Ross, who is a good friend of Greece.
We discussed about our common economic prospects. What is more, I presented to him the investment opportunities that Greece has to offer today.
Furthermore, I found my participation at the USA think tanks community to be very interesting.
Meeting with the enthusiastic representatives of the Greek community in the USA, reminded me of the strong bonds that unite our two countries.
Bonds built on common values and historic paths.
The relationship between our two countries has been built on the values of freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights.
This special relationship was strengthened during the two world wars, when our two countries fought together as allies. What is more, thousands of Greeks live today in the USA, which is something I consider to be a living symbol of the bonds between our two countries.
In 2021, Greece will celebrate its 200 years since the Greek revolution.
Those celebrations will be a reminder of the strong historic, political and cultural ties between our countries.
I am happy that your visit to Greece takes place only 3 months after the formation of our new Government.
The people of Greece expect that our Government lead our country to a new era.
After 10 years of economic struggle that have burdened our society significantly, we can finally state that we are making steady steps towards Greece’s recovery.
Under circumstances of political stability we have already taken positives measures to support growt: we lifted the capital controls. We are lowering the taxation on individuals and companies. We are cutting red tape and bureaucracy for entrepreneurship, moving quickly on privatizations and we are offering strong incentives to attract investments.
Our talks in Athens will be on a wide range of issues. Defense, energy, economy, trade, tourism, culture, are integral parts of our strategic cooperation. We are committed to strengthening this cooperation even further.
We have agreed to revise our Defense Cooperation Agreement in order to further reinforce our common military and strategic influence in the area in favor of regional security and stability.
This is extremely important, at times when in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean, there are actions that challenge Greece’s and Cyprus’s sovereignty rights.
Those actions violate International Law and are accompanied by an extreme and unproductive rhetoric.
More specifically, I refer to Turkey’s actions, which are not in line with a relationship based on friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
For those specific developments, the EU has made a stand, taking formal decisions.
Turkey’s recent moves on the plot 7, which is in the exclusive economic zone of Cyprus, violate Cyprus’s sovereignty rights. Cyprus demands the implementation of International Law.
Ι look forward to USA’s essential and positive contribution.
Our cooperation is not limited only to Foreign Policy and Defense.
I note that more American tourists visit Greece with every passing year.
Furthermore, we are stepping up the Scholarship programs and the student exchange programs between the two countries.
Greek citizens no longer need a visitor’s visa to enter USA. And there is a steady improvement in the economic relations between our two countries.
ONEX’s investment and acquisition of Syros shipyards, the strong interest of multinational companies such as Pfizer and Cisco to invest in Greece in the pharmaceutical and technology sector in Thessaloniki and finally the strong interest of USA companies to invest in ‘’ELLINIKO’’ project, all symbolize USA’s support and trust in Greece’s recovery, in Greece’s economy and highly educated and trained workforce.
Finally, I would also like to mention the importance of our cooperation in the energy sector, including our cooperation in natural gas and in the hydrocarbon extraction – specifically, in EXXON MOBIL’s participation as one of the international groups acting in Crete.
I welcome you therefore Mr. Secretary, as a friend of Greece. At the same time I welcome this new chapter in the long and common path our two countries have been walking together for many years.
