Two direct flights to deepen Saudi-Greek relations

A top Greek official disclosed here that there will be two direct commercial flights a week from Greece to Saudi Arabia next year bringing the southern European country closer to the Kingdom.
The new flights were announced by Greek Vice Minister of Development Notis Mitarachi at a reception hosted by the Greek ambassador. Saudi officials and representatives of the chambers of commerce, Council of Saudi Chambers, Shoura Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs were among those present.
According to the Greek ambassador, the biweekly flights will start from May next year. “It means that you will be closer to Greece and I know that everyone of you from Saudi Arabia loves Greece,” said Ambassador Ioannis Christofilis.
“The two countries will also set up the Saudi-Greece Business Council to promote bilateral relations. The embassy is also launching a new website and a new database here at our consulate,” he said.
Mitarachi said that the cultural and political relations between the two countries were superb.
“The historical ties go back centuries. There is a longstanding respect for the great Arab civilization in Greece.”
He referred to the “strong economic relationship and mutual respect” but expressed surprise at the low economic relations between the two countries during the last 15 years.
“We all recognize the opportunities and that a lot of good things can happen for both Saudi businessmen to come to Greece and for Greek businesses to expand their presence in the Kingdom, a process which started in the 1950s,” Mitarachi said.
Both sides discussed the signing of an agreement which will allow the two countries to enjoy mutual protection of investments starting from 2015.
“It will also lead to the establishment of a business council. I am optimistic about this council given the number of Saudi business people who have approached us in the last two days declaring their willingness to participate in the formation and execution of these relations,” he said.
They also discussed the need to hold ministerial meetings from 2015 onward. Both countries have not taken any initiative for the last 15 years, “but now it is very clear that both want to do that in the coming months,” he added.
Talking about the current situation of his country’s economy, he said things have changed in Greece in the last three years. “I am sure you are closely following the economic crises and that my country has to seek extraordinary assistance from various countries including Saudi Arabia to get through the difficult period,” he said, adding that he was grateful to the Saudi government for this support.