Both in Chicago and here in Boston, following the meetings I had with the two governors, we decided on the promotion of economic and trade relations with Greece and, of course, the promotion of investments in our country. I had the opportunity to meet with Greek American organizations as well, and to attend a special reception with the American Jewish Committee.
Tomorrow we start the political and diplomatic programme of meetings within the framework of the UN General Assembly, where the focus will be on issues of global interest – the developments in Syria and the wider Eastern Mediterranean region – and the promotion of our own positions on our national issues, such as the Cyprus problem and the FYROM name issue. So, immediately after my arrival in New York City, I will be meeting with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. This will be followed by a meeting with Mr. Nimetz and, of course, many, many bilateral meetings with my fellow Foreign Ministers from some 15 countries. The programme is still being developed. It will be very rich in political and diplomatic activities in New York, where – at this critical time for the Greek economy, with the crisis weighing heavy on our shoulders – we will have the opportunity to break the ice and to throw open new doors that will allow our country to move with self-confidence and certainly in the international environment, emphasizing the important role Greece can play in our geopolitical environs and in Europe.
September 22, 2012