Greece is a close friend of Kingdom

On March 25, Greeks around the world commemorate the declaration of the War of Independence of 1821, and pay tribute to all those who contributed to the establishment of the Modern Greek State.
Since antiquity, Greeks maintain close historical, cultural and economic ties with the peoples of the wider Middle East and the Arabic peninsula, not just ties of friendship, but often ties of brotherhood. Greek traders unload their goods in the ports of the Red Sea from the antiquity.
An old presence of Greek merchants, which came primarily from Egypt and Mediterranean are described in the diplomatic archives, registered in the customs of the city of Jeddah.
In 1890, in a population of 20,000 inhabitants in Jeddah, the Europeans were very few, counted only 50 people: 29 Greeks, 9 Italians, 6 English, 5 French and one from Netherland.
Greece has always been known to the Saudi people: It is in their history books, in the curriculum of classical studies and in their summer holiday plans.
Likewise, Greece is considered in Saudi Arabia as a close friend and a progressive and stabilizing factor in the region and an excellent destination for tourism and fun.
The warmth existing between the peoples of the two counties must be emphasized.
In a globalized environment, these strong ties are important when faced with swift changes.

The recent global economic crisis which affected, though in different degrees, all European states, posed — as all crises — both challenges and opportunities.
In Greece, where the crisis was particularly harsh, the challenges were extremely demanding and the need for adjustments urgent.
Over the past five years, the Greek people have shown incredible stamina, determination and commitment to lead the country out of the economic crisis.
After five years of adjustment programs, the hard efforts and sacrifices of the Greek people are starting to pay off.
According to the latest estimates, 2014 marked the exit of the country from the six-year recession while in the following years Greece will experience robust, gradually rising growth rates that will be based on sustainable factors such as exports, tourism, innovation, entrepreneurship and foreign direct investment.
Simultaneously, major structural reforms are underway within the product market, the business environment and the public administration sectors.
Greece is changing in all areas of economic activity.
Innovation, technology, energy and green and blue growth are now in the forefront of efforts along with the more traditional sectors of tourism, shipping, agriculture, construction and minerals.
The traditional sectors are also diversifying and expanding.
Being the second most mountainous country in Europe, Greece has developed its infrastructure for winter tourism, with excellent ski facilities in areas of stunning beauty, unique architecture and exclusive food products.
Athens and Thessaloniki, with multiple air-connections, excellent shopping, eating and recreation opportunities, rich cultural activities and easily accessible clean beaches are ideal city-break destinations, all year round.
In areas known since antiquity for their mineral springs, state-of-art wellness and spa facilities combine a 3,000-year long tradition with modern technology and equipment.
The food industry has also been transformed, with the production of more bio and eco-friendly produce of excellent quality, thanks to the mild climate and the 250 sunny days per year.
Whole world and Europe is also changing.
During the current period, Greece is trying to find a new balance, in a time of what can be described as a transitional phase for Europe.
The European Union is a community of peoples sharing a common heritage and shaping together their common future while maintaining and cherishing their distinctive national and cultural identities. And in this community, the commitment of the Greek people is unwavering.
Greece’s inextricable link to Europe was masterfully summarized by ex-French President Valerie Giscard d’ Estaing’s famous saying “Europe without Greece is like a child without a birth certificate.”
I hope that this special supplement in the Arab News, on the occasion of our National Day, will offer readers the opportunity to discover or re-discover Greece, a country that changes by drawing strength from its roots, and a nation proud for its past, determined for its present and confident in its future.
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Chronis Polychroniou, Greek consul general in Jeddah