“The Western Balkans are an integral part of Europe. The peoples of this region share a common heritage and history, as well as a future defined by common interests and challenges. The government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in the context of the country’s emergence as a responsible force for stability, is systematically forging Greece’s economic ties with the Balkans,” said the Deputy Foreign Minister and MP for Serres, Tassos Hadjivassiliou, at the Thessaloniki Summit organized for the 8th year by the Hellenic Industries Association (HIA) in cooperation with the Delphi Economic Forum.

In particular, Mr. In particular, Mr. Hadjivassiliou participated in a discussion on “Economic Diplomacy in the Balkans”, where he exchanged views with the President of the Association of Exporters of Northern Greece Simeon Diamantidis, the President of the Association of Greek Businesses of Albania Denald George Tafani, the Vice President of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Krasimir Dachev, the Executive Director of InvestBulgaria Agency Mila Nenova, and the President and CEO of ALUMIL George Mylonas. The discussion was moderated by Alpha TV journalist Maria Nikoltsiou.

In his statement, Mr. Hadjivassiliou stressed that the Foreign Ministry, under the guidance of Minister George Gerapetritis, promotes and strengthens economic ties with all Balkan countries and stands by every effort to strengthen the activities of Greek companies in these markets. “Greece, as a provider of security, remains a pioneer in initiatives that promote development and stability in our neighbourhood,” he underlined. Finally, he recalled that the Western Balkan countries are obliged to honour their commitments and respect the principles of good neighbourliness.