The view that the normalization of the relationship between the United Arab Emirates and Turkey can benefit Greece in the long run is expressed in his exclusive interview with SKAI and Apostolos Maggiriadis the Ambassador of the country.
At the same time, he explains that the alliance between Athens and Abu Dhabi is strategic and will become deeper and deeper in the coming years.
Following the heir to the throne’s visit to Turkey, Athens seemed concerned about a possible rapprochement between the Emirates and Turkey. Should Athens really be worried?
Answer: I do not think that Athens should be worried about any rapprochement with Turkey. We have amazing relations with Greece, in the political and military field, now in the economy and in the culture that are developing even more. All of this works to improve relationships. The move for rapprochement with Turkey is not intended to affect the close relations we have with Greece. Instead, it is part of the UAE’s new strategy for de-escalation and consultation instead of conflict. To move forward with Turkey with an emphasis on economic cooperation and as you know, economic cooperation also offers a political influence.
Correctly. But is this cooperation with Turkey limited to the economic field with Ankara? Do you also see a deepening of cooperation at the political or military level?
Answer: I think this is something that is developing gradually. We start with the economic cooperation that cultivates the ground for cooperation on a political and cultural level. You know, we had 10 years with Turkey, a decade of constant tension. But we think it is better to de-escalate this tension. And I think this will benefit Greece as well, since the good relations of the UAE with Turkey can affect the relations between Greece and Turkey. And I believe that stability in the region is an advantage for our relations with Greece.
Understandable. Now, regarding the bilateral relationship with Greece. What areas of cooperation do you see in the future for the two countries?
Answer: For the last 50 years we have had amazing relations with Greece. And I believe that in the next 50 years we will have even better relations with Greece. I am working on issues of economic cooperation, since at the political and military level relations are excellent at the moment. But the fields of economic cooperation can further strengthen our relations. And of course culture, sports and all the other pillars of relations with Greece.
Both sides have also signed a military cooperation. Greece and the UAE.
Answer: Look, Greece is one of our strategic partners. We have a strategic agreement, a partnership agreement with Greece, it is one of only ten countries that have such an agreement and this proves how close the relations between the UAE and Greece are at the military level and at the security level.
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