Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with visiting German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck in the northern metropolis of Thessaloniki on Saturday, hours before both men spoke at the official opening of the 88th Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), where Germany is the honored nation.
Speaking to an audience of ministers, office-holders and stakeholders, Habeck underscored Germany’s designation as this year’s honored country.
Earlier, speaking at a specially built OT.gr studio within TIF’s grounds, he emphasized that Greece and Thessaloniki “have provided us with substantial space at the fair, which we needed to fill.” Among others, more than 130 German companies are displaying their products and services at the major trade exhibition.
Regarding the German delegation’s impressive presence, Habeck said: “This is a very significant challenge and holds great importance for the future.” He explained that many of the participating companies focus on green transition, digitization and the evolving ways people interact. “We are talking about the future,” he added.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis (left, center) led the Greek delegation in talks with visitin German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck (right, center), held at the Thessaloniki International Fair in the same-day city on Saturday, Sept. 7. 2024.
Habeck, who held talks with Mitsotakis and other top ministers prior to the OT.gr, discussed issues of mutual interest, especially bilateral collaboration in the energy field.
Regarding energy networks and renewable energy sources, Habeck noted that both countries are major users of RESs. “We recognize the benefits of this approach, face similar challenges, and are keen to learn from each other,” he said.
Touching on Europe-wide power interconnections, Habeck underlined their importance, and mentioned potential energy collaborations. He added that despite Germany’s location in the center of Europe, there are opportunities to create networks connecting northern Europe with southern Europe, as well as with North Africa and the Arabian peninsula.
German investment in Greece
Finally, the German Vice Chancellor highlighted the increased interest in investing in Greece, noting that Germany is the third-largest foreign investor in the country. He acknowledged the significant improvement in Greece’s economic environment, stating, “It is very favorable now. During the economic crisis, Greece faced many challenges, but this has changed dramatically. We see how significantly Greece and its economy have recovered,” while adding that the feedback from the country has been overwhelmingly positive.
