S. DIMAS: Good morning. Go ahead
H. REICHENBACH: No questions?
JOURNALIST: What did you discuss today with the Foreign Minister? What was the agenda of the meeting?
H. REICHENBACH: Well, we discussed the way in which the image of Greece can be improved in other countries, in order to have in particular foreign investment coming into the country, so that the possibilities of growth and better development in Greece will be secured for the future.
JOURNALIST: Are you optimistic with the way that the new government is dealing with the debt crisis here in Greece?
H. REICHENBACH: Well, I think that the new government has a very important task over the next months and I am sure that they will deal with it in the best possible way.
S. DIMAS: First of all, we had a very useful and constructive discussion with Mr. Reichenbach and his associates. First, of course, we discussed the need for structural changes. Because in order for the deficit to fall in a socially acceptable manner, and for the foundation for the necessary recovery to be laid, we need structural changes in the public sector and in the economy in general.
Beyond that, we discussed more specific issues, like the one Mr. Reichenbach mentioned: how the country can recover its good image, its good name internationally, given that it has suffered numerous unjustified attacks. And the recovery of this good name has immediate repercussions, not just for investments and attracting tourists, but also for a number of other pursuits that are very important to us. So, we laid the foundation for cooperation, to find the right specialists from other countries, with whom we can work to get quicker results.
JOURNALIST: Will initiatives be taken soon?
S. DIMAS: Our cooperation will be ongoing so that we can get results as fast as possible. But we want to get the right results, and this is what we are after. And today we laid the foundations for that kind of cooperation. You are aware that the Foreign Ministry has an extensive network of economic and commercial counsellors and attachés abroad, and we will also be using them to the country’s advantage: for our exports, but also for attracting investments and tourists. Thank you very much.
December 15, 2011