TΟ ΒΗΜΑ International Edition continues its video series on top diplomats serving in Greece, “The Ambassadors Series,” this time talking to the Spanish Ambassador to Greece, Jorge Domecq.
In our 10th episode, we explore the two countries’ close diplomatic ties, ranging from trade to ways to improve collaboration in tourism, leveraging their close cultural bonds.
Jorge Domecq highlights the potential of Greece and Spain to play a crucial role in the energy sector as Europe’s largest importers of US natural gas. Located at the continent’s east and west entry points, he believes they should explore ways to cooperate more closely. “Thirty-three percent of natural gas that arrives in Europe enters through Spain. Ten percent enters through Greece, so far. Let’s do it,” he says.
Mr. Domecq mentions the common challenges the two allies face on many matters, including water scarcity, migration, climate change, and tourism, proposing more coordinated efforts by both to address them. The Spanish Ambassador believes that coming up with solutions to these issues more effectively requires reinforcing the bonds at a political level. “I am very happy that the mechanism for political consultation in 2021…has finally got started.”
He continues by referring to his efforts to reinforce these political links, making mention of a recent joint parliamentary forum between MPs of the two countries. “We had the first Hellenic-Spanish parliamentary forum in Athens with the speaker of the Spanish House and a delegation of ten parliamentarians who debated many of these common challenges.”
The Spanish Ambassador to Greece acknowledges the encouraging trends of trade between Greece and Spain, suggesting more focused efforts in sectors such as space, defense, energy, and house design. However, he adds that more can be done in terms of foreign direct investments in both directions.
The Spanish ambassador agrees that the tourism sector is a main pillar for both economies but cautions that growth in the industry should always be achieved in a sustainable manner. “We have to ensure that this important industry continues to grow, but in a sustainable manner, without creating problems in housing, in the use of water, or in the use of our cultural heritage.”
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