Foreign Minister Kotzias’ statement on arrival at the 11th Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) Summit (Ulan Bator, 15-16 July 2016)

Ulan Bator At a time of global changes, understanding and discussion among states from different regions is more necessary than ever. At tomorrow’s ASEM Summit, we will promote this understanding and take a step forward for cooperation between the states of Europe and Asia.

You should be aware that Greece will have a prospect of becoming a center of technological cooperation and connectivity for ASEM. Cooperation in the economic sector, in science and research, with countries developing new technologies and new forms of economic development, is of great importance for our country, now that the period of crisis is ending.

Moreover, we are connected to these countries by a historical parallelism of major cultural links, a common search for answers to the great questions regarding the nature of human society and the prospects of humankind themselves. As a result, we are also discussing issues of economy, practical and technological cooperation, as well as issues bearing on humanity’s survival and its good governance.

Greece’s main message is the need for this cooperation to be extended and expanded; to become more regular and have more immediately feasible results. I will also have the opportunity to talk with the leaderships of, among others, Singapore, Vietnam and Mongolia.

July 14, 2016