The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras argued that there is international interest in supporting Greece, as it is a country that may offer stability in the greater region, in his discussion with former US President Bill Clinton, at the annual Clinton Global Initiative conference that was held in New York.
In the discussion on the importance of growth in Greece and South East Europe, the Greek PM underlined that the only way for the country to overcome the crisis is a return to growth with social cohesion, while tackling the soaring unemployment rates and the emigration of scientific workforce. Mr. Tsipras also emphasized the need for investing in research and technology.
While Mr. Tsipras admitted that signing the recent bailout agreement was a difficult decision, in order to remain in the European Union, he commented that Europe must change direction, since the policy of austerity has proven to be catastrophic. He argued that Greece will fulfill its obligation, but it is also necessary for its creditors to keep its promises on debt relief.
The Greek PM further stressed that the European Union must remain united, but that will only come if it focuses on solidarity and ensuring social cohesion amongst all of its member states. Later in the discussion Mr. Tsipras explained that it is imperative for investments to come to Greece now and not in the future and called for support from the international community, especially Greek Americans, to support the effort to reconstruct Greece. The Greek PM pledged that he intends to reform the public sector to attract foreign investments.
Video of PM Tsipras at the annual CGI conference in New York
