Dear Minister,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Dear friends,

I am so particularly pleased to be participating at today’s ceremony that you had the courtesy of organising.

In the very challenging times we live in, the promotion of the Spirit of the Olympic Games is more pertinent than ever.

Tha invocation of the ideals of peace and mutual respect between peoples serves as a stark reminder of universal values and values that, unfortunately, humanity sometimes tends to neglect.

For this reason, I would like to congratulate you for your efforts and your hard work to safeguard these values.

By having at heart the spirit of peaceful coexistence of the peoples of the world; the necessity of cooperation and fraternity, fair-play and the establishment of a long -lasting global truce. Ideals which are essential for the progress of humanity.

With the aim to continue enhancing these values, I am glad to announce a symbolic contribution of my country to your work and in particular to the program: “Young talented athletes in Vietnam”.

The Olympic Games, which were first staged 2.800 years ago in my country, Greece, are the foremost symbol of universality, of peaceful coexistence between all peoples; in an environment void of differences and inequalities. The ancient Greek Olympic Spirit is a valuable treasure that must inspire us today.

May I express the hope that this contribution from the country that gave birth to the Games will help enhance the Olympic consciousness of the young citizens of Vietnam.

Our presence here today, as well as the decision to contribute to your cause is linked to our commitment to promote these principles in international fora. We are trying to assist disadvantaged young athletes and, by doing that, to promote human rights.

In this respect, Greece has been actively engaging in the United Nations to enhance the Olympic Ideal; including through the adoption of the Resolution on Sports and the Olympic Ideal.

Let me wish all the best to the young athletes of Vietnam.

Thank you.