“Greece is more weighty than it is in its size,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Tasos Hatzivasiliou, speaking to Parapolitika FM radio station.
Mr Hadjivasiliou referred to developments in international trade following the decision of the President of the United States to cease on increased duties. As Mr Trump said, he essentially “agreed with Mitsotakis’ reasoning because we can really lead to a discussion, take advantage of the 90 -day time we have in front of us with the pause of duties for a beneficial agreement.”
“The prime minister, once again, has shown that he has a strong, robust international profile. Because the seriousness and logic of major crises is the one that favors the Greek position, “the Deputy Foreign Minister said.
“The government that has not been in a hurry is justified. A European common attitude is needed, we need to find a way to contact the US as the EU for zero duty, “he said.
Referring to the possible impact on Greek products, he noted that Greek exports to the US are at 4.9% of total national exports, around 2.5 billion euros. “They make up 1% of GDP when the European average is more than 3%,” he said, saying that our economy exposure is limited, but added that “there are specific areas that will undergo pressure. Foods, drinks and alcoholic, cement, mineral oils, all these product categories exported to the United States will have difficulties. ”
In this context, he noted, following directives by Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis, are looking for alternative markets for exports of Greek products, citing the example of India with which relations are excellent at the highest political level between Messrs. Mitsotakis and Monti. “The goal of the government is double. On the one hand, start a European debate with America to reach an agreement, because not, with duty zero and on the other to look for new markets. ” As he said, he said there are other markets such as the Middle East and Africa, making special reference to Nigeria, which “is a country that tends to become the most populous in Africa with the third youngest population in the world”.
At the same time, as Mr Hadjivasiliou said, he noted that Greece is “coming as a natural gate” in Europe through the corridor of IMEEC. “This is our purpose. Let us explain that the best gateway to Indian products into the big European market – and vice versa – is Greece. We have a geographical location, port infrastructure, but mainly the determination to do so. “
Answering a question, Mr. Hatzivasiliou noted that a meeting between Messrs. Mitsotaki and Trump, it will be in due course. “The relations between the two countries are so well -founded that they go beyond political formations and many people,” he said.
Speaking about the Greece-Cyprus-Israel electric interconnection, the Deputy Foreign Minister stressed that it is a European priority project with US support. “It’s a peace infrastructure. The project is moving forward and going properly, protected by international law because it is free to research and cable pont the cable, “he said.