As part of the Joint Ministerial Committee of Greece-United Arab Emirates meeting in Athens, Deputy PM Evangelos Venizelos met with the Foreign Minister of the UAE Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with new agreements and memoranda of cooperation between the countries being signed.

During their talks, the two ministers stressed the excellent cooperation between the two countries and the good climate that predisposes an auspicious future.

Evangelos Venizelos stated that “the participation of the Emirates in two major investments, namely in the greatest investment in our country in the old Greek airport of Elliniko and Asteras Vouliagmenis Hotel are two specific, practical moves which are simply the kick-off point of this strategically planned and established partnership[…] The investment in Elliniko alone will create 50000 jobs”, added the Deputy PM.

On his part, the Foreign Minister of the UAE stated that his government agreed for a meeting in Athens  in order to “send the message that we are proud and we are celebrating that Greece has overcome its economic crisis and is standing on its own feet once more”.

“We celebrate because we are able to announced a big investment of the Emirates in the old airport of Elliniko”, continued the Arab minister and noted: “We are  happy and grateful for the relief on the Emirates citizens from the obligation to issue a visa. We are also interested in finding more opportunities between the two governments or between financial organizations, not only for an economic link, but also to find better opportunities for both countries through the European Union, the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Middle East”.

The completion of the 2nd Joint Ministerial Committee of Cooperation between Greece and the UAE culminated with the signing of bilateral agreements by Ev. Venizelos and Abdullah bin Zayed Al Naya:

1. Proceedings of the 2nd Joint Operations Committee of Cooperation between Greece – UAE
2. Agreement on Mutual promotion and protection of investments
3. Memorandum of Understanding and Sports cooperation.

On the business side, there were two agreements signed:
1. Memorandum of Cooperation in the field of energy between Terna Energy and the State owned Energy Company of Abu Dhabi, TAQA
2. Cooperation of Agreement for the development and Management of “Elliniko” between Lamda Development – Latsis Group and Al Maabar company.