Attracting more American investment in the region of Central Macedonia, but also an even larger number of American tourists was among the topics discussed by Governor Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the new US Ambassador to Greece George Tsounis, in the first meeting they had today in the new building. of the Region, on 26th of October Street, in Thessaloniki. The meeting took place in a warm atmosphere, with Mr. Tsounis jokingly saying that he would παρουσία have a permanent presence in Central Macedonia.
In the joint statements after the meeting, Mr. Tzitzikostas did not hide his enthusiasm for the meeting with Mr. Tsounis, saying characteristically that “I met not just a good friend of Greece, but a Greek in my heart”, with the ambassador of the USA to thank him for the cordial “Greek hospitality”. According to the governor, he noted from the discussion Mr. Tsounis’ willingness to cooperate so that the very good relationship that had been “built” in previous years with the new ambassador’s predecessor, Jeffrey Payat, would continue.
Mr. Tzitzikostas briefly presented to the new US Ambassador the work being done in the Region of Central Macedonia and the plans for the future, emphasizing that “there is a clear understanding that we must proceed with a rational development for the region.” In fact, during the reception of Mr. Tsounis, he showed him from the balcony of his office how the city is developing, informing him at the same time about the actions that are being taken for the new coastal front.
“The pillars on which we build our policy as a Region are the pillars that can be supported by the region and the strategic advantages we have as a region, and the ambassador is and will be at our disposal to continue the struggle to attract American investment. in the region of Central Macedonia, which not only bring additional income to our country, but create many good jobs “, noted the governor, noting that he agreed with Mr. Tsounis to continue this cooperation at all levels: and of education and culture.
Wonderful to meet Governor @tzitzikostas to discuss how the 🇺🇸 & 🇬🇷 can strengthen our cooperation in northern Greece, drawing more American investment to the region and putting a spotlight on the region as a destination for Hollywood movies and year-round tourism. pic.twitter.com/W1PeQPtU90
– George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassyGR) May 25, 2022
The attack of the American ambassador
Mr. Tzitzikostas also appeared confident that after his trip to the United States in early July, and the meetings he will have there, “we will have even more specific plans and present even more concrete initiatives,” while closing his statements, welcomed the new ambassador, with the phrase “in Central Macedonia you will feel at home”, for Mr. Tsounis to respond (in Greek): “I’m like my cousin, when I get home, I never leave!”
Taking the floor, Mr. Tsounis stated that he is very proud to be the Ambassador of the United States of America to Greece and at a time when bilateral relations are so strong, he spoke of a “historic week” in the relations between our two countries, referring to Recent visit of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to Washington, while he also referred to the enhanced geostrategic importance of Greece in the wider region, which Greece deserves because, as he said, “it is always on the right side of history and is a reliable partner.”
The US Ambassador stressed that he looks forward to further strengthening bilateral relations during his term but also to deepen cooperation with the Governor “to bring more investment and tourists to your beautiful region, because it means more places in the US and Greece. “It means prosperity, stability, peace and this is the kind of attitude and behavior that one would hope to see in this relationship.”
Indicative of the very good atmosphere of the meeting was the phrase of Mr. Tsounis that “it is always good to start a meeting as a regional governor with an ambassador and to complete it like two old, good friends”, but also the three gifts that Mr. Tsounis offered him. Tzitzikostas. These are three photo paintings that the Governor hung from the walls of his office, when he noticed the ambassador’s admiration. These are three photographs by Giannis Zarzonis that depict Alexander the Great, the golden crown of Vergina and the golden shrine of Philip II. Receiving the gifts, the American ambassador said that from now on they will decorate the embassy residence in Athens, known as Jefferson House, which is the house where the current American ambassador has lived in Athens since 1947, while in his intention to return them upon completion. In order to continue decorating Mr. Tzitzikosta’s office, the governor told him that he would like them to remain in his possession forever.
“Thessaloniki is my favorite city”
“Thessaloniki is my favorite city, because my father Dimitris brought me here when I was young, he took me to the church of Agios Dimitrios and he spoke to me, he taught me lessons that a father gives to his son about his values, about my roots , which he asked me not to forget. And now my son, whom I named after my father, is finishing school in America and he will be here in a month and I will bring him to this city that I love so much. I will take him to Agios Dimitrios, as my father took me and I wish to give him the roots of my family, of my country, the same roots that my father taught me. “I am very proud to be the US ambassador to Greece,” said Mr. Tsounis, characteristically excited.
I was moved by my visit to the Jewish Museum of Thessaloniki and meeting with President Saltiel to learn more about Thessaloniki’s Jewish past and plans for the Holocaust Museum of Greece, a reminder for us all of the lives lost and our need to stand united against anti -Semitism. pic.twitter.com/PzJRnkFfkT
– George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassyGR) May 25, 2022
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