How did you get involved in the health crisis?
Out of necessity! Because two critical capacities coincide at the Foreign Ministry’s Secretariat General for Openness that can facilitate the procurement of medical supplies. We have knowledge – or an accurate picture, if you will – of the global market, and at the same time an effective mechanism, through our embassies and consulates around the world, to ensure fast and secure processing of every purchase or donation.
The haste with which some countries have recently moved to secure medical supplies, and the descriptions of the involvement of the planet’s secret services, suggest a kind of ‘health cold war’. Is this really the case?
Look, demand is high, supplies are limited, states have urgent needs, and many countries don't have air connections. So, difficulties are inevitable. A given. But I wouldn’t call it a health cold war. I think that’s an overstatement. It would be more accurate to say that we are dealing with a peculiar form of competition under unusual circumstances. We need to check the vendor, the intermediary (when there is one), the product, certifications, available quantities, finalise the purchase, pay up front if need be – and we have to do all of this very quickly in a very competitive environment where everyone wants the same products from the same few companies. And then the transport process begins, and that’s not easy either. The fact that we use specific airports for refuelling aircraft bringing supplies from distant countries speaks for itself.
Have traditional diplomatic alliances worked in this battle, or is it ‘every man for himself’?
Both. The good relations we traditionally have with many countries worked, as did our newer friendships with others. For example, the good relations that we enhanced in recent months with the United Arab Emirates. Very recently, in fact, on 19 February, we held an interesting forum on strategic cooperation between the two countries. The success of that forum helped us, later on, to build trust that, rather than leading to investments, led, in this case, to the donation of 11 tons of medical supplies for our National Health System. I’m certain that these good relations will continue on the level of investments and economic cooperation.
As for ‘every man for himself’, national interest is every country’s priority. Just as it is for us. And the first thing we did was scramble to meet our own needs. But as we gradually succeeded in covering our own needs, we also helped other countries find supplies, and other countries helped us.
Foundations and Greek shipowners made a large contribution. Will you ask for assistance in other stages of the pandemic?
Everyone acted with a sense of duty, and that should be noted. Their stance is one of the many advantages our country has in dealing with the pandemic. They stepped up out of generosity and national conscience, and I needn’t say anything further ... Yes, I think they’ll support us in any future needs we have.
Does the country have adequate medical supplies right now?
Today, having moved very quickly in the initial phase of the pandemic, our emergency needs are covered. Of course, we will continue to take delivery of supplies in the coming days. At the same time, we are on alert and monitoring the situation so we can respond immediately and flexibly if any need arises. But I must say that the most crucial thing is to follow the measures that have been implemented. Citizens should know that we are staying at the office and working for them, and they, in turn, need to stay at home. We can do this if we stick together.
How will the coming deep recession impact investments?
The economic landscape will be different after the crisis, and it will take some time for it to get back to normal. But neither investments nor trade relations will stop. All of us, including Enterprise Greece, are preparing for the day after the crisis. The anticipated recession isn’t cancelling our plans for improving our country’s position in the international market. In fact, the way our country has dealt with the pandemic so far – taking the right measures at the right time, the organization and discipline of Greek society, scientists and medical personnel, volunteers, donations and everyone working on the ‘front lines’, all of us in the posts where we serve – we are building our country’s image with strong foundations, in an organized manner, with institutions that function and with mature democracy. Today, all of the international media are saying positive things about our country. It’s up to us to capitalize on this good publicity for tomorrow’s investments.
April 15, 2020