My warmest congratulations go to the Greek community in the Kingdom on the occasion of the anniversary of Greek independence, wishing them constant progress in their endeavors. Their presence in Saudi Arabia constitutes one more link between two countries sharing a long and friendly relationship, marked by coinciding views on a number of important international issues, especially regarding the Middle East.
The paramount role of the Kingdom in the region is appreciated by Greece which considers the Eastern Mediterranean and the Middle East as an area of immediate importance to its interests.
Hence, it supports actively, both bilaterally as well as an EU member, all efforts toward stability and good neighborly relations in the region.
The state visit of the President of the Hellenic Republic in Riyadh last April highlighted the bonds between the two countries, confirmed common views and appraisals and gave new impetus to our political and economic cooperation.
The oncoming EU-GCC ministerial meeting in Riyadh will be a further occasion to consolidate the relations between the European Union and its Gulf partners in all fields.
We hope that this meeting will result in tangible progress between the two groups of countries, creating additional momentum towards achieving common goals.
Furthermore, establishing economic cities in the Kingdom, initiating a National Program for the Development of Industrial Complexes as well as the very substantial infrastructure effort undertaken by the Saudi leadership, ensure solid growth and diversification, offering substantial opportunities for bilateral economic cooperation.
It is encouraging that the number of Saudi citizens who visited Greece in 2006 has more than doubled as compared with two years before, an unmistakable indicator of the increasing interest in tourism and business but also, more importantly, of ever-closer contacts between the two peoples who are connected by historical and cultural ties of friendship. May this friendship grow ever stronger.
Ioannis Economou
Ambassador of Greece