E. VENIZELOS: Allow me to start by referring to the EU-Africa Summit that developed into a major international political event, due to the presence of many heads of state and government, and foreign ministers. Hundreds of bilateral meetings took place between all of these states, and it was, for us, for Greece, an opportunity to address the countries of the African continent, with whom we maintain very close historical ties. But we also have major economic interests to protect and develop, starting with Greek merchant shipping, naturally, which is a major point of reference for all of these countries.
So the piracy taking place in various maritime regions is our first priority. And an equally important priority is the development of bilateral economic and trade relations with all the countries of the African continent, which is the continent of the future. On the margins of the Summit Meeting, I had the opportunity to meet with nine countries on the bilateral level, and more specifically with the Presidents of Tunisia and Guinea, with the Vice President of Angola, and with the Foreign Ministers of the People’s Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Nigeria. So I met with a broad range of states that are of great interest for Greece, and we can develop very dynamic cooperation with them.
JOURNALIST: We learned that, on the margins of the Summit, you had talks with German Chancellor Merkel. Can you tell us about what you discussed?
E. VENIZELOS: I did in fact have the opportunity for a brief but ample meeting, I would say, with Madam Merkel, ahead of her visit to Athens. As you can see, the main issue is the international promotion of the real state of affairs, which is that Greece is turning a new page. We are entering the final stretch of our definitive exit from the crisis and the memorandum. This is linked with the confirmation of the sustainability of the Greek public debt. We had the opportunity, with Madam Merkel, very briefly, to refer to how the technical data are being determined as well.
Greece’s return to the markets is now a reality, which will take place gradually and guardedly, without there being real funding needs. But it is of very great importance that Greece is re-entering the market, being given the place it deserves from the markets, which often have a clearer view of things than various technocrats or than our political and institutional partners.
It is a very big advantage, if you will, in the hands of Greece to get a positive response from the market. And of course what is important – and we have to say this to all of our collocutors – is that Greek society is waiting to see the change, having had its back to the wheel for years, having made sacrifices, having achieved successes.
And now Greek society is waiting for the response, for recompense. Not just for social cohesion and welfare support. Not just the redressing of injustices through the distribution of the primary surplus, but mainly through growth. With the funding of SMEs. With the rise of the consumer to levels that will support our growth – positive growth rates. And of course all of this is linked with employment, with the creation of new jobs.
We have put together the governmental employment council. We are promoting a number of measures through the Manpower Employment Organization (OAED), through local administration, measures for the containment of unemployment, but this will not suffice. The core of unemployment can be hit only through entrepreneurship, investments, positive growth rates; through this new climate’s pervading the day-to-day economic life of our country. This is the major goal now: For Greece to return to European normalcy. For Greece to stop being a poor relation, a pariah, blamed for international problems. I saw that this message reached the countries of Africa. The countries of Africa now know that Greece has achieved much and is turning a new page. You can see how strong this message is internationally.
JOURNALIST: Mr. President, could you perhaps be more specific with regard to your meeting with Madam Merkel? First of all, do you know when she will be coming? Second, did you discuss the issue of the debt? When will the discussion start?
E. VENIZELOS: I think I have said everything I can in reference to that brief meeting.
April 3, 2014