Today’s summit that is held at a critical time for the Greek economy, at a time of recovery, but also a critical time for stability in the wider region, can contribute to several sectors” Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras stated at the opening proceedings of the EU-Arab World Summit “Partners for Growth and Development”.

In his speech, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of the summit taking place in Greece, a country that is emerging from a six year crisis, steadily upgrading its role as a pillar of peace, stability and security in our region. The Greek PM focused on three main topics highlighted in the summit for the future of the EU-Arab and Greek-Albanian cooperation: First, it is based on close cooperation with the private sector and civil society.

Secondly, the conference takes place at a critical time, for Europe, for the Arab world, but also the relationships between them. “A period which requires brave steps. For peace and stability in Syria, Iraq, Libya, Yemen. And of course – regarding the Palestinian issue – for the resumption of credible negotiations aimed at a fair solution based on two states coexisting safely. With the establishment of an independent, viable Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital” he added.

Later on the PM stressed that the conference takes place at a time when it should strengthen the Euro-Arab cooperation in order to address major international challenges such as terrorism, refugees and migration. At a time requiring a new global vision for the future of Euro-Arab relations in trade, investment, energy and tourism. “This vision is necessary now more than ever” PM Tsipras explained.

Thirdly, he stated, the conference is taking place in Greece, “a country with strong historical, cultural, economic and diplomatic ties with the Arab world” a country that over time “been the port and bridge between Europe and the Middle East” with “a legacy of trust in a fluid and confrontational global and regional environment”.