On the occasion of the anniversary of Greek independence, I congratulate my compatriots in the Kingdom and wish them sustained success for the mutual benefit of our two countries and of our long, friendly relations.

On a political level, there is a remarkable coincidence of views regarding the Middle East but also the wider Eastern Mediterranean area, to which Greece also belongs.

This coincidence emanates from common values and perceptions. Therefore, we are happy to witness the dynamic activity of Saudi diplomacy, a voice of experience and wisdom as it was aptly demonstrated during the summits of the Arab League and of OPEC in Riyadh.

The kinship between the two peoples is also one of the reasons why many Saudis feel comfortable when in Greece: The number of visitors between 2004 and 2007 more than doubled, as many rediscover Greece as a tourist as well as a business destination.

Foreign direct investment has also more than doubled since 2004, as a constantly growing economy offers more attractive opportunities. Negotiations between Greece and Saudi Arabia for agreements on investment protection as well as on avoidance of double taxation have been concluded.

Investment interest is keen not only in traditional sectors (shipping, tourism, real estate) but also in others such as energy, including the latest solar technology and the private health sector.

The ultimate benefit from all this activity, in the form of more visits and more business is, however, the increased contacts and the ever-stronger friendship between our peoples.

Ioannis Economou

Ambassador of Greece

On the occasion of the Greek National Day, the 187th anniversary of the formation of a free and independent Greek state, I wish to extend to my fellow citizens, who reside and work in this part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, my congratulations on this momentous day. The long-standing bonds of friendship and cooperation between Saudi Arabia and Greece include international policy matters as well as items in the fields of economy and business. The principles pertaining to relations between modern states, such as the peaceful settlement of disputes, the nonuse or threat of force in the relations between states and the mutually beneficial cooperation between them, constitute common beliefs for both Saudi Arabia and Greece and a tested practice in their overall relations with other countries.

We appreciate the efforts of the Saudi government to improve its potential, which is based on vast resources, for the sake of further advancing the prosperity of the people. The concept of the economic cities with the anticipated participation of Greek companies, the care in maintaining high living standards for their citizens, against the often unpredictable shortcomings of the international economy and the continuing efforts to attract foreign investment, are commendable expressions of Saudi government policy.

Greece, at the same time, is an active member of the international community with a diversified economy, an established member of all European organizations and the European Union. First of all, we feel satisfied because Greek exports to the Kingdom in the year 2007 have marked an increase of approximately 10 percent compared to the previous year. The commercial balance is now less negative for the Greek side. We think that this change signifies progress in bilateral commercial relations. The conventional framework between our two countries constitutes a broad basis for full-fledged economic cooperation.

It simply needs all its components to be activated so both parties reap maximum benefits from the cooperation. The bilateral agreement for economic cooperation provides for a long awaited, Greek-Saudi inter-ministerial meeting, which we expect to take place this year.

The texts of the twin agreements for the mutual protection of investments and the avoidance of double taxation have been initialed and await final signatures. We also believe that the Business Council between Greek and Saudi participants is on the verge of reality.

A catalogue show of Greek products was hosted with great success a few months ago at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry. We expect next month the visit of a delegation of Greek businessmen under the auspices of the Arab-Greek Chamber of Industry and Development. This will provide an excellent opportunity for setting up “business to business” meetings.

But apart from the official exchange of visits, the most important thing is to encourage both countries’ business communities, known for their ingenuity and extrovert character, to develop their own initiatives which not only lead to joint ventures and reciprocal benefits, but also serve the needs of our countries’ consumers. We thank Saudi Arabian Airlines and its administration for operating direct flights to Athens and from Athens to the Kingdom, because we believe that such connections facilitate contacts between Saudi and Greek businessmen. We hope that the operation will continue in the future.

In conclusion, I wish to express my hope and conviction that Greek-Saudi relations, based on solid foundations for so many years, will continue to grow and develop steadily in the service of the friendship and progress of the two countries and their peoples.

Dimitrios Zavoritis

Consul General of Greece