Kuwait: A key partner of Greece in the Gulf and Middle East
The Greek Ambassador to Kuwait, H. E. Ioannis Plotas, emphasized that Kuwait is a key partner for Greece in the Gulf and Middle East. He noted that both countries share similar perspectives on many regional challenges and are steadfast in supporting the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law and the UN Charter.
Ambassador Plotas further added that both Greece and Kuwait are actively working to enhance regional cooperation for the benefit of peace, stability, and development in the wider neighborhood.
The Ambassador expressed his ambition to see a greater Greek business presence in Kuwait, urging companies and investment funds from Kuwait to explore investment opportunities in Greece.
Moreover, the Ambassador highlighted the updated legal framework for foreign direct investment, which includes special incentives for strategic investment schemes, creating an encouraging, safe, and reliable environment for all types of foreign direct investment projects in Greece.
The Ambassador pointed out that there seems to be great potential for Greek companies to participate in projects related to the ambitious Kuwait Vision 2035, particularly in the fields of real estate development and a wide range of infrastructure initiatives.
Regarding partnership avenues, the Ambassador explained that enhancing cooperation in the field of tourism, based on the friendly relations between their peoples, is a priority for both countries. He hoped to strengthen collaboration in tourism, particularly focusing on knowledge exchange in tourism marketing, special interest tourism projects, and investments such as hotels, real estate, resorts, and marinas.
On the situation in the region, he stated that the Middle East is teetering on the brink of an uncontrollable conflict. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the spread of hostilities in Lebanon and the Red Sea, and the risk of war in the wider Middle East has intensified global uncertainty and anxiety.
Stressing further, the Ambassador continued, that from the beginning, Greece has maintained a principled position, and has consistently stressed the need for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire to ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the development of a reconstruction plan. Greece considers it essential to provide a vision for the Palestinian people and to call for the establishment of a Palestinian state within the framework of UN Security Council resolutions.
The Greek Ambassador continued that the geographical location of Greece, along with its strategic importance and strong historical relations with regional countries, has positioned his country as a pillar of stability. As part of assumption of the important responsibilities of this role, Greece has intensified its diplomatic contacts and activities.
Highlighting further, The Ambassador added, that Greece maintains regular contacts with key regional players, including Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia. Greece’s proactive foreign policy and consistent stance have earned them credibility. Over the past year, Greece has been invited to and participated in every major international conference on the Middle East and the situation in Gaza. This will be Greece’s approach during the two-year term as an elected member of the UN Security Council.
Regarding Greece’s membership in the UN Security Council, The Ambassador said, that from January 1, 2025, Greece will occupy a seat in the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member for two years. This is the third time that it has been elected to the most important and prestigious body in terms of competence and prestige, since the organization was founded in 1945.
On a important note, the Greek Ambassador considered that the election of his country, with an astonishing number of votes (182 out of 188 voting member states), represents a vote of confidence on the part of the international community, which recognizes Greece as a pillar of stability and peace in the Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans, and beyond.
