• “The Caspian region is of strategic importance to Greece, and we see Azerbaijan as playing a very important role in the wider region.”
• “Greece firmly supports the EU’s European Neighbourhood Policy and, in that context, the development of the Eastern Partnership, which is yet another field of cooperation. As you know, Greece will assume the Presidency of the EU Council for the first half of 2014. During that time, the decisions of the November 2013 Summit Meeting – in Vilnius, Lithuania – on the Eastern Partnership will start going into implementation, and the Greek government will take that opportunity to contribute to continued capitalization on the dynamic in our relations with Azerbaijan.”
• “The Greek government is putting particular emphasis on growth so that the country can emerge from the crisis. Growth is being supported by a number of measures contained in the new investment law, including sustainable programmes – in the tourism sector, for instance – infrastructure projects, green development, renewable energy sources, and exploitation of our country’s natural resources. This effort to emerge from the crisis is bolstered by the fact that Greece is a vital link between the countries of the European Union, Southeast Europe, the Mediterranean, and the countries of the Black Sea. In this large geographical space, our country is an important factor in the promotion of business synergies with other countries and a significant partner in supporting and enhancing our neighbours’ efforts to upgrade their infrastructures and create trusted institutions on the economic level.”
• “Among the sectors in which we are cooperating, the energy sector is – as you know – an important chapter in our bilateral economic relations, and we want to deepen the already very good cooperation we have with your country.”
• “It is a fact that Greece’s position in the Eastern Mediterranean basin and Southeast Europe renders us an active participant in international energy developments. Greece can become an energy supply hub through the linking of natural gas networks that upgrade the importance of its contribution to the broader goal of European energy security and bolster the national development effort, attracting investments.”
• “Greece has know-how in the sectors of oil refineries and renewable energy sources. So beyond distribution of gas and oil from Azerbaijan, we could collaborate in the sector of renewable energy sources and green development.”
• “In the construction sector, our cooperation could prove exceptionally beneficial to both sides. Greek construction groups, with their know-how and experience, can participate – together with Azerbaijani companies – in large-scale construction projects, such as motorways, hotels, hydroelectric plants and energy facilities, whether in the territory of the two countries or in third countries.”
• “Regarding our cooperation in the agriculture sector, we believe there is much room for improvement. As you know, Greek agricultural products (fruit, vegetables, olive oil, wine) are part of the Mediterranean diet, which is well know for its benefits and could well find a place in Azerbaijan’s market.”
• “There are also prospects for cooperation in the health sector, mainly through sharing experience, cooperation in the pharmaceutical industry, and the opening of diagnostic centres.”
• “In the maritime transport sector, I hope that the Agreement we signed in 2011 on commercial shipping serves as a springboard for closer cooperation.”
• “In the telecommunications and IT sectors, the entry into effect on 13 May 2011 of the relevant agreement signed on 16 February 2009 will spark a constructive and long-term cooperation between our countries, potentially bringing multiple benefits to both states and growth to the wider region.”
• “We also want to expand our cooperation on the implementation of ‘twinning projects’. Greece has wide experience gained from implementing many such programmes with various countries and can transfer know-how in many sectors.”
• “Greece is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, welcoming over 17 million visitors a year. With long and vital experience in this sector, we can transfer our know-how to Azerbaijan, should such a transfer be requested. Furthermore, I want to assure you that the Azerbaijan tourism market is also of interest to our country. The commencing of direct flights between Athens and Baku on 28 May 2013 – on Aegean Airlines – will contribute to increasing tourist flows between the two countries and facilitate business trips between Athens and Baku.”
March 7, 2013