Greece and the United Kingdom have signed a strategic bilateral framework agreement in 2021, providing proof of their mutual intention to invest in their long-term diplomatic relationship, said UK Ambassador to Greece Matthew Lodge at the opening of The Economist Gala Dinner on Monday.
Addressing the event “The Global Economy and Financial Services Gala Dinner: Manoeuvring through the current turmoil,” Lodge said the strategic agreement was not restricted to foreign policy and defense, but included trade, investments, health, education, culture, tourism, and shipping.
In a particular reference to tourism, Ambassador Lodge noted that in 2022 and for the first time in a decade, the number of British tourists to Greece exceeded those of Germans. Greece and Britain also share responsibilities as NATO members and as seafaring nations that believe in free trade, he added.
The ambassador also spoke about how collaboration was more necessary than ever in an unbalanced world, calling for old and new allies to work together against those seeking imbalance in the world. Lodge noted the repercussions of the Russian invasion in Ukraine on the British and Greek people, as well as of the results of sanctions against Russia. He also noted the repercussions of the energy crisis on Greece and the serious burden Greek families bore, as well as the unprecedented support by the government.
(Athens-Macedonian News Agency is a Media Partner of the conference. Video statements by speakers will be uploaded at the following address: https://www.amna.gr/video-services/544358/Corporate%20Videos)
SOURCE; ANA-MPA
