Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs responsible for Economic Diplomacy and Extroversion, Tasos Chatzivasileiou, paid a two-day visit to Istanbul on May 8 and 9, 2025, leading a numerous delegation of Greek businesses and chambers of commerce and industry representatives.
As part of his visit, Mr. Chatzivasileiou met on Thursday, May 8, with diaspora entrepreneurs operating in Türkiye. He heard their concerns and assured them of the Greek Government's support.
On Friday, May 9, the Deputy Minister had a private meeting with his Turkish counterpart, Ambassador Mehmet Kemal Bozay.
Deputy Ministers Chatzivasileiou and Bozay then addressed the Greece-Türkiye Business Forum. The Forum was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with Enterprise Greece, the Hellenic Federation of Entreprises (SEV), the Greek Exporters Association (SEVE), the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEA), and the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce, with the support of the Greek Consulate General in Istanbul.
The Forum was attended by dozens of Greek and Turkish businesspeople operating in various sectors, such as shipping, transport, construction, pharmaceuticals, food, tourism, and information systems.
Mr. Chatzivasileiou noted that the economy could and should be the foundation of a new, positive approach to Greek-Turkish relations. He highlighted the potential of strengthening trade ties in retail, pharmaceuticals, food, construction materials, energy, research, and innovation, and expressed his confidence that mutual trust, respect, and understanding can lead to fruitful synergies.
May 9, 2025