The 185th anniversary of the Greek independence is celebrated by Greeks worldwide, so I would like to extend my warm congratulations to the Greek community in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and wish them further progress in this hospitable country.
Greece traditionally maintains friendly relations with Arab and Middle Eastern countries due to geographic proximity and strong historical and cultural bonds dating back to ancient times. And it is on the basis of these traditionally good relations that Greece is, through its European Union membership, actively involved in the shaping of EU policy in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
In this respect, we strongly believe that an ever more substantial and intensive dialogue between the European Union and the GCC countries is of the highest importance for the enhancement of this relationship.
Further, Greece would like to express its satisfaction for the accession of the Kingdom to the WTO, which it has actively supported.
The historically close, friendly relations between Greece and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are constantly enriched. Systematic cooperation is required in order to explore and exploit new avenues and to promote joint initiatives in an increasing number of fields, so that our bilateral relations can further evolve, to mutual benefit.
Ioannis Economou
Ambassador of Greece