The Thessaloniki International Fair has become a landmark institution for Greece’s economy and its international economic relations, and serves as such every year.
The fact that the United Arab Emirates is the honoured country at the 86th TIF is of particular importance, due also to the strategic relationship we have built with this friendly country of the Middle East in every field.
Allow me to recall the Agreement on Cooperation in Foreign Policy and Defence between the Government of the Hellenic Republic and the Government of the United Arab Emirates, which was ratified by the Hellenic Parliament last March. An agreement that includes a mutual defense assistance clause and demonstrates in practice our states’ shared commitment to security and stability in the wider region.
The 86th TIF is also an opportunity once again for the country’s economic diplomacy to attract investment and boost exports. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through the General Secretariat for International Economic Affairs & Openness, in cooperation with Enterprise Greece (EG) and Export Credit Greece (ECG), is actively participating with a Pavilion and a series of events. Yesterday, (Friday 8/9), the 2nd meeting of the Council for Openness was held in Thessaloniki, on the occasion of the TIF, under the competent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kostas Fragogiannis.
At the same time, however, the Thessaloniki International Fair provides an opportunity for the Mitsotakis Government to listen to the concerns of the productive forces, in the midst of a critical international juncture, especially in the energy sector.
It is also an opportunity for the Government to demonstrate once again in practice that New Democracy is a truly popular party that cares about the vulnerable. A party that combines economic growth with social cohesion, and also a Government that is managing successfully another external crisis.
In this light, I am confident that the Prime Minister’s attendance at the 86th TIF will serve as a springboard for New Democracy’s victory in next year’s elections and the continuation of the Government’s work.