I deeply thank you, dear Giuseppe,
With my Italian counterpart, today we have had the opportunity to discuss about the excellent relations between the two countries and, above all, to examine how they can become even closer and ever more efficient.
That is why we have decided to strengthen our bilateral contacts. After all – as you said dear Giuseppe – our bonds come from the depths of History and are determined by culture, by our geographical location, and I would also say by the common temperament of our people.
Just as common is the way we face modern challenges.
As you know, my country, after a decade of economic hardship, is already on a path towards growth. And I want to urge the many, dynamic Italian companies that I know are interested in, to trust and invest in the new Greek economic reality.
The geostrategic position of Greece, at the crossroads of three continents, is appropriate for many business ventures, joint ventures, in the wider Balkan region, the southeastern Mediterranean and southeastern Europe.
On the other hand, Italy is a potential destination for Greek exports. It is the first destination for Greek exports. A trend that is increasing year on year.
With my friend, the Prime Minister, we also discussed our energy cooperation. Energy security, as well as diversification of energy sources, are priorities for both countries.
So, in anticipation of the completion of the TAP pipeline – which will deliver gas to Europe via Italy – we exchanged views on other energy projects, such as the EastMed pipeline.
The refugee and migration crisis is also a matter of particular concern to both sides.
Greece is the eastern border of Europe. It is a country of entry, dealing with a huge load of flows, beyond its capabilities to manage and, unfortunately, ever-increasing flows. It is something that concerns us.
These developments require compliance with the provisions of the European Union-Turkey Joint Declaration. But it is also necessary to strengthen our solidarity on a European level.
As a frontier state, my country is making every effort to cope. But it cannot, nor should it, be left to itself, for an issue which is essentially a European problem.
Therefore, the multiplication of refugee initiatives and the upgrading of pan-European coordination should be a priority for all of us.
Turkey unfortunately continues an aggressive and unconstructive behavior in the Aegean, thus increasing the chances of an accident occurring.
For our part, we maintain an attitude of self-restraint, but we are firmly in defense of our sovereignty and national rights deriving from treaties and international law.
The Turkish provocative actions, however, are not limited there. As you know, the neighboring country is expanding its transgressive activity within the EEZ of the Republic of Cyprus, violating International Law in the wider area of the eastern Mediterranean.
Greece has long advocated a fair, balanced and, above all, viable solution to the Cyprus problem. However, 45 years after the Turkish invasion, the occupation of the territory of the Republic of Cyprus, unfortunately, dear Giuseppe, remains. And this is happening in an independent and sovereign state, a member of the UN and the European Union.
So it is time for the bicommunal talks to flourish, which remain the only path to a bicommunal bi-zonal federation based on United Nations decisions.
We also discussed the developments in the Western Balkans, whose European perspective and prospects Greece wants to keep active. But our steering course always remains constant in requiring the countries to meet the commitments they themselves have undertaken.
We have similar positions on many issues, such as the European semester, the Multiannual Financial Framework, the deepening of Economic and Monetary Union.
But also on issues related to climate change, we have common interests and we have common challenges. Greece is committed to pursuing the European vision of a climate-neutral economy by 2050. And my Government has taken a special initiative to protect the cultural heritage and the natural environment from climate change. And I am pleased that Italy has added its support to this initiative.
Finally, I would like to thank once again for the warm welcome and for such productive cooperation. I return from Rome to Athens even more optimistic and even more confident that our two historic capitals will continue to play a leading role in the region.
Dear Giuseppe, I look forward to seeing you in Athens.
