Panafrican News Agency

Greece pledges to enhance its partnership with Africa

Athens, Greece (PANA) - Greece will always be an active partner of Africa, Nikos Dendias, Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs, said at Africa Day celebration in Athens.

"Greece will be a partner to Africa and will continue working for the enhancement of our long and strong ties of friendship and cooperation," Dendias added while addressing the celebration organised by the group of African Ambassadors in Athens.

He hailed the work of the African Union “in establishing a prosperous and peaceful Africa” adding that it's an organisation, which plays an increasingly important role in the continent’s security architecture.

One of the greatest endeavours of the continent has been the creation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which will pave the way for Africa, with its 1.2 billion people, to become the world’s largest common market, Dendias said.

Dendias noted that Africa has the potential to be the continent of opportunity in the 21st century, with its rapid population growth, rich cultural diversity, dynamic societies and economies.

At the same time, the minister praised Greece's traditional ties with African countries and its long-term excellent relations, highlighting the opening of a new Greek embassy in Senegal which will cover the biggest part of the Sahel region.

Greece, which never had a colonial past in the region, has a long and valued relationship with African countries, he added.

Greece shares strong historic ties with many African nations, as well as a rich cultural legacy and valuable cross-cultural bonds, he said.

He added that Greece is working with the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of Europe for a Summit that will establish a stronger, more strategic and result oriented partnership between Europe and Africa.

The Africa Day, has been established internationally to be celebrated on 25 May, the anniversary of the founding of the Organisation of African Union in 1963 which later became the African Union.

-0- PANA- AT/AR 27May2021