On the occasion of the Greek National Day celebrations, marking the uprising of the Greeks against foreign occupation and the beginning of the liberation and independence of their beloved country, I consider first of all, as a duty, to extend warm greetings and to congratulate my fellow citizens, who reside and work in Jeddah and the Western Region.
Our countrymen in Saudi Arabia honor the name of Greece and contribute to the progress and prosperity of this hospitable country which is their second home.
My country considers Saudi Arabia as one of the most friendly and valuable partners in the modern world, on political and economic terms alike. There are not only many similarities between the two peoples reinforced by contacts, tourism and visits, but also international values and principles of behavior, which both share and respect in their bilateral relations and toward third countries as well.
The positions of Saudi Arabia and Greece converge in many fields, with respect to regional policy and to the solution of the Middle East problem. They embrace the guidelines set by the international community and they try, through moderation and peaceful means, to reach solutions mutually accepted by all parties involved.
Both countries also condemn, in the strongest terms and in deeds, the scourge of international terrorism and view each other as associates in efforts to defeat this appalling phenomenon.
Greece is fully cognizant of the economic weight of Saudi Arabia, especially in the energy and industrial sectors. My country wishes to develop a wide and all inclusive conventional framework, as a far reaching driving force to enhance the bilateral relations on a permanent basis. Both sides have now started to work in this direction.
In parallel, the private sector in the two countries will soon be engaged to cooperate in a diversified spectrum of activities, including import of products, tourism, construction, services and consultancy etc. A Greek business mission which visited Riyadh, Jeddah and Dammam, the first such organized visit in 11 years, had a constructive and promising visit and brought together business people, under the auspices of the respective Commercial and Industrial Chambers and Unions.
A first informal memorandum between them marks the intention of both sides to amplify cooperation in various domains, such as information, exchange of human resources, training seminars etc.
The plans for a preparatory show of Greek products in the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the resumption of the direct flights to Greece and vice versa, should constitute immediate targets and steps to facilitate the objectives of the two business communities.
In conclusion, I wish to express my strong conviction that, the steady progress in our relations, guaranteed by the matured bonds and the creativity of both sides, will continue in the future to grow further to the benefit of the two countries and our peoples.
Dr. Dimitrios Zavoritis
Consul General