The President of the Hellenic Republic Constantine An. Tassoulas, received the credentials of the new Ambassadors of the Republic of South Sudan, Dhanojak Obongo (based in Rome), the Republic of Uzbekistan, Abat Fayzullaev (based in Rome), the Kingdom of Eswatini, Thandazile Penelope Mbuyisa (based in London), the Republic of Ecuador, Esteban Moscoso Bohman (based in Rome), the Republic of Paraguay, Maria José Agraña Mateu (based in Rome), the Republic of Mali Yacouba Diakite (based in Rome), the People’s Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka Satyajit Arjuna Rodrigo (based in Rome), the Republic of Sierra Leone Philip Bob Jusu (based in Brussels), the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Daovy Vongxay (based in Bern), and Burkina Faso, Kantoro Egniabie Cyrille Ganou Badolo (based in Rome).
Mr. Tassoulas’ address follows:
“Your Excellencies,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you today to the Presidential Mansion on the occasion of the ceremony for the presentation of your credentials, which officially marks the beginning of a new period of cooperation between Greece and your friendly countries.
Our modern world is characterised by unprecedented challenges. Armed conflicts, climate change, food and energy insecurity, migration flows, rapid technological progress. All these developments are testing the effectiveness of the institutions of the international community, as they were built after the Second World War and especially during the period of decolonization.
In this fluid and often ominous environment, it is evident that multilateralism, dialogue, cooperation and solidarity among nations are more necessary than ever. In this context, moreover, your mission and your actions are of particular importance for bilateral relations between our countries.
Greece, having fully regained its economic resilience after the economic crisis of the past decade, is a pillar of stability and security in the Eastern Mediterranean region. As you know, following the recent agreements in the energy sector, our country will henceforth play the role of energy security provider in South-eastern and Eastern Europe.
At the same time, as a member state of the European Union and NATO, as well as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2025-2026 term, Greece works together with its partners and allies to promote peace, coexistence and the resolution of international disputes, always guided by respect for international law and the principles and values of the United Nations Charter. For us, revisionism, armed violence, economic coercion and unilateral action have no place in the contemporary international scene.
Your Excellencies,
We look forward to cooperation between our countries in all areas of mutual interest, in trade, green growth, energy and culture. I am certain that you, as well, even though you are based in third countries, will contribute substantially to the further strengthening of the bonds of friendship between Greece and the countries you represent, as your experience, knowledge, and commitment to the principles of peaceful coexistence are a guarantee for the success of this crucial mission. The Greek communities in some of your countries are bridges of friendship that strengthen our relations and mutual understanding.
On my part, I assure you that the Greek State and the competent Greek authorities will be at your side whenever needed in order to facilitate your work. I therefore invite you to seek new avenues of cooperation together and to build even stronger bonds of friendship among our peoples.
With these thoughts, I wholeheartedly wish you every success in your duties, strength in your work, and a fruitful and pleasant cooperation with our country. ”
The ceremony for the presentation of credentials was attended by the Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ambassador Aliki Chatzi and the Secretary General for International Economic Affairs, Dimitris Skalkos.
