Greece calls for stronger tie-ups with Arab countries at EU-Arab Summit

As Greece has a large trade presence in the UAE and Egypt in a number of sectors, including construction, energy, agriculture, tourism, logistics and technology, the country is now seeking to create new opportunities in other areas, Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras noted in his opening speech at the EU and Arab World High Level Summit that concluded here on 4th November.

Lauding the UAE as an exemplary Arab trading partner of Greece, Tsipras stressed the need for strengthening relations between the European Union, EU, and the Arab countries in all spheres to counter global challenges such as terrorism and migration issues.

Tsipras further noted the main role of Greece in building bridges between the Arab world and Europe.

A number of staff members of the UAE Embassy in Athens attended the two-day summit, held under the auspices of Greek President Prokopios Pavlopoulos.

Speakers from Greece and other European countries highlighted the opportunities for investment and economic co-operation in tourism, infrastructure sectors such as ports, real estate and commerce. They also noted the importance of attracting investors to Greece with more flexible and less bureaucratic procedures as well as protecting investment projects.

Speakers from the UAE and other countries, including Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan, also spoke about the investment opportunities in their respective countries and further stressed the importance of economic co-operation so that the Middle East becomes a more stable and secure region.