D. AVRAMOPOULOS: A new chapter is opening between Britain and Greece. Our historical ties are always strong, but, as I had the opportunity to say earlier with William Hague, we have been working together for a long time within the European Union and NATO on all the major issues that concern us. I would like to say that our relations are pervaded by a spirit of mutual respect and solidarity.
We started by reviving old, strong positions and relations, as happened yesterday with my visit to the House of Commons, where the old and powerful institution of inter-parliamentary cooperation was revived. It was a special moment, I must say, and we will convey to Greece the desire of the British MPs to reopen the channel of communication and relations with the Greek MPs.
But beyond all that, events like the one hosted yesterday by Greece’s Ambassador to London, on the historic and profound relations between Lloyd George and Eleftherios Venizelos, remind us that we are always close to Great Britain, and the Greeks recognize Great Britain’s major assistance in liberating the Greek nation.
These relations have been evolving for 200 years now. They have grown stronger with the passing of time. But today, within our great new family – the European family – this cooperation takes on new content.
The talks we had on all these issues – which Mr. Hague described to you a short while ago – were aimed at updating some of these notions. I also had the opportunity to present to my good friend and colleague the developments in Greece with regard to management of the economic crisis. And I must say that I found in him another strong supporter of the great efforts the Greek government is making and the great sacrifices the Greek people are making.
Greece is gradually returning to a position of stature and credibility on the European and global stage. Because we have to be frank: For a few years now, our country’s stature has suffered internationally. All of this, with a number of initiatives and a foreign policy that is extroverted, dynamic, visionary, is giving our country back its stature, say and role. Especially in our wider neighborhood, which is again facing upheaval at this time; a number of crises that I fear may lead to a general destabilization of the region. Greece is and remains a strong pillar of security and stability.
We also had the opportunity to talk about relations with neighbouring countries: the Skopje issue, the Cyprus question, the developments in the Syrian crisis, the Middle East issue. I briefed him on my recent visits to Israel and Palestine. We discussed all the pending issues, once again reaffirming the value and importance of honest diplomacy. All of this in a spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation.
JOURNALIST: Is there a possibility the Greek Prime Minister will be visiting London?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: We discussed that, in the sense that I conveyed, on behalf of Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras, an invitation for the UK Prime Minister to visit Greece. All of this will be dealt with through diplomatic channels. One thing is certain: A new chapter is opening in Greek-British friendship.
JOURNALIST: What is your position on the Cyprus issue?
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: Our position is that every effort towards the continuation of the bi-communal talks – always under the auspices of the UN – should be supported. And Cyprus has an important role to play in the wider region. With the resolution of the Cyprus problem and the reunification of the island, Cyprus can become a strong factor for stability to the benefit of the common goals that Europe and all of us want to promote.
June 6, 2013