Within the framework of the traditional relations of friendship and cooperation that link Greece with the countries of the Arab world, as well as of the government’s choice of an extroverted and dynamic foreign policy that will move towards the substantial deepening of Greece’s relations with the countries of the Middle East and North Africa, Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos hosted a luncheon in honor of the Ambassadors of Arab countries accredited to Greece.
The meeting was an opportunity for a sincere and constructive exchange of views on issues concerning Greece’s bilateral relations with the Arab countries, with emphasis on the great potential for economic and trade cooperation, as well as on issues of regional interest in the wider region of North Africa, the Middle East and the Gulf.
During the meeting, particular emphasis was put on developments in Syria. Mr. Avramopoulos, having underscored that Greece unequivocally condemns the escalation of violence that has caused great civilian losses, reiterated Greece’s position in favor of a peaceful and political solution to the Syrian crisis. He expressed the hope that Special Envoy Annan’s mission will receive the necessary support for progress to be made, stressing that the Assad regime has lost its legitimacy and is an obstacle to the political transition process. They also discussed developments in the Middle East peace process, looking at the prospects for getting past existing hurdles.
Mr. Avramopoulos then briefed the Arab Ambassadors on the economic adjustment programme and the determination of Prime Minister Samaras’s National Responsibility Government to get through the crisis and return the Greek economy to health.
Finally, Foreign Minister Avramopoulos talked about the potential for deepening cooperation between Greece and the Arab countries, emphasizing the bolstering of bilateral trade in various sectors of common interest, as well as capitalization on the great potential for investments and economic cooperation on the inter-state or private level.
July 17, 2012