“We are in the final stretch of the transitional period for Brexit, and we would like to see our differences bridged and reach an agreement,” Alternate Minister of Foreign Affairs Miltiadis Varvitsiotis stressed in his address during the “Industry Day” conference held by the British Embassy in Athens.
Mr. Varvitsiotis stressed that it is important to Greece to maintain the same level of economic interdependence with the United Kingdom following Brexit. He made special reference to the extensive trade relations between the two countries, with millions in imports and exports, as well as the high levels of tourist traffic. In 2019 alone, he noted, 3.5 million British tourists visited Greece, accounting for over 10% of total visitors. However, Mr. Varvitsiotis noted that “we want to see these numbers continue to grow.”
In the same context, the Alternate Minister underscored the historical, political and cultural ties that bind the two countries, highlighting the need to facilitate both enterprises and individuals who are doing business in each country respectively so that bilateral relations can evolve on the highest possible level.
Moreover, Mr. Varvitsiotis observed that the United Kingdom, as not only an important partner for the European Union, but also one of its oldest members and one of the greatest European powers, should have smooth relations with the EU after its withdrawal.
December 3, 2020