The 25th of March, is a day of celebration for all Greeks. It is a memorial day for all those who fought heroically and gave their lives for freedom and independence. Those who overcame the skepticism of outsiders and established a sovereign new state, based on the democratic principles of classic and modern Greece.
The effort to defend a sovereign state continues and nowadays our coalition government is implementing a bold program of structural reform with the goal of improving macroeconomic prospects, boosting growth and creating employment opportunities. This effort has had so far impressive results. In January, instead of the 413 million euro primary deficit forecast predicted, a 398 million euro primary surplus was achieved. In the years 2010 to 2012, 75 percent of our competitiveness was recovered compared to the year 2001. Within 2013, 100 percent recovery is expected.
The Greeks maintain since antiquity historical and cultural ties with the peoples of the wider Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, not just ties of friendship, but often ties of brotherhood. This region is a part of the wider neighborhood of our country and is therefore given priority in our foreign policy. Our mission is to take advantage of the longstanding cooperation between Greece and Saudi Arabia to further strengthen the ties between our two people.
In practice there has been a growth of joint ventures between Greek and local companies in the agrarian and food industries as well as in construction. At the same time we are witnessing a technological transfer from Greece to Saudi Arabia with the arrival of various Greek experts, particularly in the field of aquaculture.
I would like to mention that we have in Jeddah a few international groups of Greek origin with worldwide activities and a presence of over 50 years in the KSA. They play a key role in shaping our country’s image and enhancing the ties between Greece and Saudi Arabia, as also all the Greeks, who live and work in this hospitable country, in Jeddah and the Western Region, notably as the professors of KAUST and the researchers of the Hellenic Center of Marine Research. They all contribute to strengthening ties between our two countries with their scientific research in the Red Sea in collaboration with Saudi authorities.
The tourism industry of our country constitutes a vitally important economic sector, occupying the most prominent place in the Greek economy, by contributing to its development. At the same time, the industry is elevating the country to one of the top 10 destinations worldwide.
For the specific market of Saudi Arabia and the Gulf our aim is to cooperate with tour operators who promote specialized market packages in accordance with the interests of tourists. The new vision of Greek tourism highlights the differential quality tourism product, by attracting more tourist consumers, experienced travelers, sensitive to the quality. The thematic axes forming the foundation of the country’s tourism product for the next years are: Sun & sea; culture; diving; health & wellness; tourism; luxury tourism; nautical; city breaks; mice & touring.
Ladies and gentlemen, dear friends, Athens is very close to Jeddah, via a direct flight, as far away as Dubai. You can enjoy your vacations in Greece even for a long weekend. This summer you are welcome to spend your holidays in Greek islands.
Chronis Polychroniou
Consul General of Greece
