KUWAIT CITY, Nov 20: Kuwait is a key partner for Greece in the Gulf region and the wider Middle East, says Greek Ambassador to Kuwait Ioannis Plotas. In a press conference on Wednesday, Plotas confirmed that “Kuwait and Greece share similar views on the many challenges our wider region is currently facing. They remain staunch supporters of the need to resolve disputes peacefully based on international law and the United Nations Charter. Both countries are actively working to strengthen regional cooperation for the benefit of peace, stability and development in our wider neighborhood.” He added “we aspire for a greater Greek commercial presence in Kuwait. We invite companies and investment funds from your country to invest in Greece, as our updated legal framework for foreign direct investment, which focuses on strategic investment schemes, provides multiple incentives; thereby, creating an encouraging, friendly, safe and reliable environment for all types of foreign direct investment projects in Greece. There is a huge potential for Greek companies to participate in projects related to the enormous Vision 2035 in real estate development or in a wide range of infrastructure schemes. Strengthening cooperation in the field of tourism based on friendly relations between our peoples is a priority for both countries.” He revealed that “we look forward to enhancing our cooperation in the field of tourism, focusing on exchanging knowledge in tourism marketing, tourism projects of special interest, and tourism investment (such as hotels, real estate, resorts, and marinas). The number of Kuwaiti tourists who visited Greece this year reached 3,500. Regarding the situation in the region, he said the Middle East is on the brink of uncontrollable conflict. “The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the spread of hostilities to Lebanon and the Red Sea, and the risk of war in the wider Middle East have intensified global uncertainty and anxiety.

Ceasefire
From the beginning, Greece has maintained a principled position. We have consistently stressed the need for a permanent and sustainable ceasefire to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the development of a reconstruction plan. We consider it essential to provide a vision for the Palestinian people and to call for the establishment of a Palestinian State within the framework of the United Nations Security Council resolutions. The geographical location of our country, along with its strategic location and strong historical relations with regional countries, have placed Greece in a position of stability. As we assume the important responsibilities of this role, we have intensified our diplomatic contacts and activities. Greece maintains regular contacts with key regional players, including Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Our proactive foreign policy and our firm stance have earned us 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 our approach during our two-year term as an elected member of the UN Security Council.”