Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Kostas Fragogiannis’ interview with the PARAPOLITIKA newspaper and journalist Kostas Papachlimintzos (30.09.2023)

JOURNALIST: What exactly does the so-called "Positive Agenda" with Türkiye entail, and at what stage is it currently?
K. FRAGOGIANNIS: As I have repeatedly explained, the Positive Agenda is an initiative of our country's economic diplomacy, which does not touch upon sensitive issues in our bilateral relations with Türkiye. It revolves around 29 items of economic and trade interest, in various fields including transportation, environment, small and medium-sized enterprises, tourism. In the three years since the Positive Agenda's inception, significant steps have been taken to improve connectivity, facilitate trade transactions, increase tourist flows from both sides, and enhance cooperation on civil protection issues.
I would like to emphasize that the Positive Agenda constitutes a strategic choice of the government. I dare say it has significantly and decisively contributed to maintaining open communication channels and fostering a climate of cooperation, even amidst recent tension in our relations with our neighbor, prior to the deadly earthquake in Türkiye last February.
Currently, as you are already aware, the climate in Greek-Turkish relations has significantly reversed. The positive mood and the shared intention to maintain it were also confirmed by the leaders of Greece and Türkiye during their recent meeting in New York.
Therefore, the Positive Agenda is gaining great momentum, with negotiations on all its items progressing rapidly. I also had a warm and very substantive meeting with Türkiye’s Deputy Foreign Minister and my counterpart for the Positive Agenda, Burak Akcapar in New York last week. Our common goal for the High-level Cooperation Council between Greece and Türkiye to be held in Thessaloniki on December 7 is to sign, at the highest level, Memoranda and Cooperation Agreements pertaining to specific actions.
JOURNALIST: Beyond improving bilateral relations, are there any practical benefits for our country by promoting the positive agenda?
K. FRAGOGIANNIS: The issues of the Positive Agenda impact citizens’ daily lives in both countries, as they facilitate transactions, movement, and business collaborations. They are of equal concern to both governments, as they have a positive impact on the economy and other aspects of inter-state cooperation. For example, the second cross-border road bridge between Kipoi and Ipsala, the construction of which is expected to begin in 2024, will practically facilitate all kinds of movements and transactions, primarily strengthening local communities. Similarly, the modernization of the building facilities at the Kipoi border post will contribute to the development of the area. The upgrade of the electrical interconnection between Greece and Türkiye, as well as the cooperation in the field of civil protection and natural disaster prevention, are also of particular importance.
JOURNALIST: Are you optimistic that the "calm" in Greek-Turkish relations over the past eight months can be maintained and extended?
K. FRAGOGIANNIS: Yes I am, because it is in everyone’s best interest. The challenges we face today, both as a global community and regionally as Mediterranean countries, are very difficult and unprecedented. As such, they leave no room for confrontations and rivalries but necessitate cooperation and convergence. The climate crisis is the most pressing challenge requiring cooperation – we experienced it violently this summer, and we now face it on a daily basis. Equally significant is the issue of illegal migration, where collaborations are essential to minimize migration flows.
The deepening of the positive climate in Greek-Turkish relations and the further development of our bilateral relations contribute to the overall prosperity in the region. Of course, this doesn't mean that we are willing to deviate from our national positions, which are grounded in the principles of legality and International Law.
JOURNALIST: During your recent visit to New York, you met with entrepreneurs and fund managers. In which sectors is there an investment interest in Greece, and to what extent can we anticipate the swift realization of these investments?
K. FRAGOGIANNIS: While in New York, I realized once again, much to my satisfaction, that Greece has securely positioned itself on the international investors’ radar. The established political stability in the country, paired with structural reforms and an emphasis on an outward-oriented economy, has garnered the trust of the markets. The energy sector is drawing significant attention, offering numerous opportunities, as Greece not only serves as a pivotal energy hub and gateway but is also evolving into a guarantor of energy security.
There is also heightened interest in the high-tech sector, with Greece emerging once again as a hub for Southeast Europe and the Middle East. Notably, I had an interesting meeting with executives from Amazon, which is now incorporating Greece into all of its operational plans in Europe.
JOURNALIST: We have noticed a recent "opening" of the government towards India and South Korea, with an emphasis on trade and economic relations. What prospects do you see in these collaborations?
K. FRAGOGIANNIS: I would like to emphasize once more that our foreign policy is now based on a comprehensive strategic plan, in which economic diplomacy occupies a significant position. This strategy aims to both uphold and continually fortify our existing strong alliances with countries such as the US, European countries, the Middle East, and North Africa. Concurrently, it envisions forging strong economic and political ties with other major players on the international chessboard. Among these are India and South Korea, two vibrant markets with tremendous potential and prospects, showing keen interest in investing in Greece.
In fact, this coming Tuesday, October 3, I am traveling to Seoul - following a related agreement between PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol during their meeting in New York - to lay the groundwork for an upcoming major Greek business mission, led by the Prime Minister.