Mr. President,
It is a great pleasure to welcome you and the members of your delegation toAthens. Relations betweenGreeceandSerbiaare not circumstantial and easy to change. Our friendship is the outcome of long historic processes, forged through joint struggles for freedom and national independence.
Our region has had a traumatic and turbulent past. We should overcome our bad old reputation as the breeding ground of trouble. The conditions in our region are now right for cooperation at many levels so that our legacy to the future generations can be a peaceful, creative and European future. Our example can serve as a model for coexistence and cooperation that promotes peace, stability and growth throughoutSoutheastern Europe.
GreeceofferedSerbiareal and resolute help during the turbulent ‘90s as well as in its effort for economic reconstruction and European integration. We consistently supportSerbia’s European aspirations and look forward to a quick start of your accession negotiations.Serbiawas granted candidate status for EU accession. This is a milestone in your European course. It rewards your efforts for reform at home and your constructive attitude in the fundamental areas of good neighbourly relations and fruitful regional cooperation. In this framework, the decisions of the new government ofSerbiaare a step towards further improving relations with Kosovo to the benefit of economic growth and political stability in the region.
Mr. President,
Economic cooperation is an important pillar of Greek-Serbian relations.Greeceis the second largest investor inSerbiaand the most popular tourist destination for Serbs. Greek investments in your country amount to 2, 5 billion Euros and the companies which operate inSerbiahave created 25.000 jobs. It is quite remarkable that despite the economic crisis, Greek firms continue to invest inSerbiaand show solidarity as well as confidence inSerbia’s economic environment. I expect that the Serbian government will appreciate that and that the few problems which arise will be resolved. I would like to underline that we support the participation of Greek companies in the international tenders for the privatization of Serbian companies and for the building of infrastructure projects. We also look forward to timely information about these tenders.
Our good economic relations should nevertheless not lead to complacency. There is great room for improvement in our bilateral trade as well as in our cooperation potential in the fields of construction, information technology and telecommunications, medicines, textiles, agriculture and food technology.
Mr. President,
Already since the Thessaloniki Summit of 2003,Greecehas offered real support and continues to support the European perspective and ultimate integration of all the Western Balkan states in the European family. Their accession to the European Union will consolidate peace, stability and prosperity inSoutheastern Europe. But this support is not unconditional. I must underline that the strict and unswerving application of good neighbourly relations and of regional cooperation is an essential requirement for the promotion of the European course of each Western Balkan state.
More specifically as regards the accession of theFormer Yugoslav Republic of Macedoniato NATO and the start of accession negotiations with the European Union, I would like to point out thatGreecehas a clear national position. We shall not accept theSkopjemalfeasance whereby a state and a nation that is part of the geographical area calledMacedonia, present themselves as if they were the whole of this area. They call their state “Macedonia” and their nation and language “Macedonian” as a means to laying claim to all ofMacedonia. Let it be very clear: we will not agree unless an acceptable solution is found for a definitive name toward all reflecting reality.
Greecehas recently undertaken the initiative to propose the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in order to promote the negotiating process under the UN. The response of the government ofSkopjewas not favourable. Let me stress once again that FYROM holds the key oto its accession to the Euro-Atlantic institutions. ForGreecethis is an issue of national importance and one for which I expect real support fromSerbia.
Mr. President,
On theCyprusissue,Greeceis against violence and fait accompli. We are in favour of a viable and functional solution on the basis of the UN Security Council Resolutions, the principles and values of the European Union and the full implementation of the European aquis.
CurrentlyCyprusis successfully holding the EU Presidency. It has also emerged as an important player in energy matters of the wider region.Cyprushas declared its own Exclusive Economic Zone; it has concluded delimitation agreements and issued licenses.Cyprusis exercising its rights and strengthening its geopolitical position on the basis of a real and integrated policy.
Mr. President,
I am certain that your visit will contribute to the further deepening of our close and fruitful cooperation in all sectors.
With these thoughts, I wish progress and prosperity to the friendly people ofSerbia. I raise my glass to your health and wish you and your delegation a warm welcome toAthens.
