Welcoming the business mission to Saudi Arabia as “exceeding the expectations of all participants – even ours at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as organizers” was expressed by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion Costas Fragko THE STEP.
“We look forward to a substantial strengthening of our bilateral economic relations with Saudi Arabia, as a result of the specific business mission and the systematic work we do at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in cooperation with the relevant productive Ministries,” he said.
At this point he pointed out that bilateral trade reached 1.3 billion Euros in 2021, an increase of 57% compared to the corresponding of 2020, and added that the National Strategic Plan for Extroversion 2022 includes 18 targeted actions concerning Saudi Arabia.
He said that there is a common interest from both sides and many prospects in the fields of tourism, shipping, energy and especially in renewable sources, construction, digital technologies and the agri-food sector. In fact, important collaborations have already been announced, with a national imprint. Such as the agreement on the principle of ELPE with the Saudi state oil company SAUDI ARAMCO, to increase the supply of crude oil and other products. “This is an agreement of national importance as it shields the country’s energy security. And it is indicative of the strategic relationship we have developed, at the moment, with Saudi Arabia, which is at the best level of all previous years.”
He added the significant progress made in the project of digital interconnection SE Asia and Europe (from Singapore to Genoa) with high speed and capacity submarine optical cable, which will connect 39 stations in 33 countries, with funding from Greece, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia and makes Greece a digital hub and gateway to the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
Asked about the goals of Economic Diplomacy, the Undersecretary of State referred to the National Strategic Extroversion Plan, which “now systematically reflects”, “develops in a coordinated and targeted, by geographical area, the actions of all productive ministries in terms of trade relations” . He announced that “at the end of March, a smaller business mission to the United Arab Emirates and specifically to Dubai, in the context of the international exhibition EXPO 2020”.
Finally, answering a question about the progress in the Greek-Turkish “positive agenda”, which is led by Greece, “in matters of low political but high added value”, such as transport, environment, tourism, small and medium enterprises, he said the following tangible results: “The reactivation of the Joint Economic Committee of the two countries with the aim of overcoming problems that hinder or hinder trade transactions. “The border bridge in Evros (Kipi – Ypsala). The cooperation between shipping companies for the maritime connection Thessaloniki – Smyrna, with the relevant decisions expected to be announced at the next meeting of the positive agenda”. “Steps” as he underlined “in the direction of promoting bilateral economic relations that only mutual benefits can bring” as out of the 25 topics 10 have already been completed and in the rest significant progress is recorded.
Clarifying that “Greece’s positions on our national issues are clear and non-negotiable”, he pointed out the belief that the creation of a positive climate, in whatever field is possible, could alleviate tensions in other areas as well. In particular, any initiative with a positive impact on Turkey’s test economy could potentially have a positive impact on relations as a whole. ”
Source: AMPE
Source: Capital

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