"The Greek government is working hard and taking specific measures to expedite procedures that will allow for an increase in the number of returns, in the context of the relevant EU - Turkey joint statement," said Greece Foreign Minister N Dendias following his meeting with his Bangladesh counterpart AK Abdul Momen held in Athens on Tuesday.
They, in presence of Alternate Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos, exchanged views on issues involving the major concern of migration.
The Greek Foreign Minister stressed that returns will continue to take place in "absolute compliance" with international law and in accordance with the "strong sentiment of humanism and responsibility" which characterises both the Greek state apparatus and Greek society, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece.
This attitude of responsibility has been acknowledged at the international level and is absolutely non-negotiable, he said.
"This attitude should serve as a moral compass to those who insist on capitalising on human pain in the service of their own interests. I call upon them to leave this policy behind and honour their international commitments," said the Greek Foreign Minister.
More importantly though, he said, the meeting was the ideal trigger to renew bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Greece.
The Greek Foreign Minister said the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two Foreign Ministries on cooperation in the area of diplomatic training and constitutes a concrete step in this direction.
"During our discussion, we also outlined the potential for mutual support between Greece and Bangladesh in regard to various issues," he said.
In the context of effort to broaden economic and trade relations, Dr Momen expressed his country’s readiness to step up cooperation on all fronts.
The Greek Foreign Minister also accepted his invitation to visit Bangladesh soon, heading a group of Greek entrepreneurs.
"It’s my expectation that this will carry over to a number of other fields, such as culture and education. I also expressed Greece’s readiness for exchange of know-how with Bangladesh in all areas of mutual interest," said Minister Dendias.
The Greek Foreign Minister also informed Dr Momen about Greek Prime Minister’s initiative for the protection of cultural heritage threatened by climate change, and asked for the participation of Bangladesh.
Both sides exchanged views on numerous issues of common interest, such as the environment.
"Climate change affects us all. We listened to the Bangladeshi views with particular interest, in regard to both regional issues of Southern Asia and issues of global concern. Environmental protection is such an issue," he said.
Business Talks
Dr Momen also attended a business talks titled 'Bangladesh: Greece, Business Opportunities' hosted by the Athens Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), in collaboration with Bangladesh Embassy in Athens on Tuesday.
While addressing the Greek business community, the minister apprised them of the prevailing business-friendly environment in Bangladesh and invited them to visit Bangladesh and explore the opportunities that are being offered by Bangladesh.
Dr Momen flagged the attractive investment package, infrastructure and the political stability in Bangladesh as some of the key points to consider for taking investment decision, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs here on Wednesday.
He viewed that Greek businesses can comfortably build partnerships with their Bangladeshi counterparts.
Dr Momen sought investment, either direct or in the form of joint ventures from Greece with focus in the areas of tourism, shipping, hospitality industry, renewable energy and waste management.
President of the ACCI Constantine Michalos, Ambassador of Bangladesh to Greece Md Jashim Uddin and Member of the Board of Directors of the Enterprise Greece Dimitrios Kourkoulas also spoke at the seminar.
They highlighted the reasons for strongly considering Bangladesh at the next investment destination.