Discussion with Ambassador Alexis Konstantopoulos
Greece is home to Ikaria, one of the five Blue Zones, where people live the longest, and are healthiest. What makes Greece a unique destination for Saudis?
Greece is considered an exceptional destination with a favorable climate, amazing seas, mesmerizing beaches, marvelous islands and natural attractions, where history and mythology are naturally combined. Indeed, Greece can offer visitors incredible experiences, charming visitors with its distinctive culture and art, as well as with its hospitality and cuisine.
Greek hospitality has something to offer everyone, for every taste and lifestyle. Travelers are invited to visit destinations as diverse as our vibrant capital Athens, home to the Acropolis, numerous historical sites and museums, and the famous islands of Mykonos and Santorini.
Starting May 14, 2021, after travel restrictions due to COVID-19, Greece opened its doors to the Saudis and other countries. I want to emphasize that many Saudis choose Greece as their holiday destination. I can assure them that they will have a great time and will want to return soon.
What are the most noticeable achievements of Saudi-Greek diplomatic ties since 1926?
Saudi Arabia and Greece have a long history of mutual collaboration from ancient times to the present day. Many Greek companies and individuals were involved in developing the infrastructure of modern Saudi Arabia, including the city plan of Riyadh. SETE Saudia has been actively involved in major infrastructure and energy projects. In 1985, the famous Jeddah fountain, the highest in the world (312 meters), was built as a modern version of the Geneva Lake Fountain. In the 1990s, over 9,000 Greek professionals and their families lived in Jeddah.
For decades, Greece has been in the hearts of many Saudis. Greeks and Saudis have a lot in common: similar mentality and dedication to kinship, national values and principles, as well as strong bonds of friendship. It is not only about people-to-people relations; there is also mutual respect, understanding, and willingness to engage more.
Trade and business cooperation are considered an integral part of diplomatic relations. What are the main areas of bilateral trade now, and where do you see the potential for development?
Saudi-Greek political and defense relations are prosperous. The Greek Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Defense, Tourism, and the Chief of Staff of the Greek Armed forces recently visited Riyadh and signed important agreements. The Saudi Minister of Culture also recently visited Athens. Thus, bilateral cooperation is gradually expanding and flourishing to mutual benefit. Greece has a lot to offer, specifically in the fields of culture and tourism.
Nevertheless, there is huge untapped potential for further growth. Greece has many assets. According to the Bloomberg Innovation Index for 2021, Greece is ranked 30th among the most innovative economies. Greece, rich in its long history of port construction, marina, and energy infrastructure in Jeddah, can provide further significant support for the development of Neom, Diriyah, Qiddyia, as well as other mega- and giga-projects under construction. In addition, Greece can significantly contribute to the development of Al Fao and other important Saudi archaeological and heritage sites, whether through its experience or the exchange of knowledge.
We must further develop trade and investment between the two countries to bring them to the level of shared goals, especially in tourism, shipping, green and solar energy, and defense. Saudi Arabia and Greece need to streamline procedures to accelerate trade and investment, develop natural synergies between our venture capital platforms, promote innovative small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), digital collaboration, and joint tourism action plan, signed recently.
Please tell us about your experience as the Ambassador of Greece to Saudi Arabia.
In November 2020, I took up my duties as Ambassador of Greece and was honored with a warm welcome from the Saudi authorities, business community, and the extremely friendly people of Saudi Arabia.
In addition, I would like to thank all the wonderful friends from Greece who made it all possible. I encourage all my friends to visit and discover this charming country and meet with its generous and helpful people. Saudi Arabia is very close to our hearts in Greece, and we must raise the level of mutual understanding and collaboration at all possible levels. Saudi Arabia and Greece are stronger together. Therefore, by creating synergies and exploring mutual opportunities, we will do even more in the future.
The Greek embassy is in the Diplomatic Quarter (DQ). Please, share your thoughts on the concept of DQ.
To start with, I would like to express my gratitude for hosting me at DQ Living magazine and the opportunity to reach out to your readers, not only DQ residents but also many expatriates and Saudis living in Riyadh.
DQ is a privileged area unique to the Riyadh urban development project. The Diplomatic Quarter provides very comfortable living and working space. Its walking trail is exceptional; in the morning and evening, one can see how people enjoy the beautiful nature.
DQ is an interesting mix of local and international communities, offices, residential and commercial spaces with ongoing and upcoming developments. For example, Oud Square, a new hospital in DQ, a full-fledged supermarket, a new shopping center. More services and goods are provided to DQ residents and non-residents. One can observe that this concept is in constant development. DQ becomes a small city within the city, in close connection with the wider urban network of Riyadh. I believe that representatives of foreign missions in Saudi Arabia are honored to live and work at DQ.
