On the national day of the Hellenic Republic on Friday, we are completing two centuries since the beginning of our struggle for independence from the Ottomans. Our just cause sparked an intellectual and cultural movement of solidarity, particularly in Europe, which contributed greatly to the continent rediscovering its sources and core values. European and American “philhellenes” — friends of the Greeks — were essential to the rebirth of our nation. With Saudi Arabia, we share a long common history, which dates back to ancient times and is still strong today, with parallel paths in our struggles for independence, the rebirth of our nations and the awakening of our national consciences. We share many common values, our cultures have many similarities and there is a profound mutual respect and esteem. As custodians of ancient civilizations, traditions and cultures, we are sharing our present and building our future together. Although Greece is well known and loved in Saudi Arabia, I would like to quickly highlight some of my country’s main features. Greece has a unique historical past; each corner is a spot of history and antiquity. Today, contemporary art, museums, cultural centers, theatrical and musical festivals, and folk traditions and dances make up a vibrant cultural landscape. Greece boasts amazing natural beauty, with a mild and sunny climate, breathtaking landscapes, spectacular mountains and thousands of miles of coastline. We are also proud of our cuisine, which enhances traditional flavors with modern Mediterranean recipes. Greek hospitality is renowned throughout the world, whether in luxurious resorts or in our homes. Barely two centuries after the war for independence, Greece is a modern state that is proud of its great achievements, a pillar of stability and prosperity for the wider region of Southern Europe and the Eastern Mediterranean, and an EU member state. In Greece, tourism and shipping are among our most important industries. Greece is the world’s premier ship-owning nation. In recent years, Greece has instituted key infrastructural upgrades, including the digital state and new labor framework, transforming itself into a very competitive investment destination, as confirmed by several rating agencies. Greece is also investing in its people through sound reforms to its educational system, enhancing its standards with several English-speaking colleges and universities. Greece, with its strategic location in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a meeting point of Europe, Asia and Africa and has great potential to be an entry point for investment both for Europe and the Balkans. Today, Greece is endeavoring, together with Saudi Arabia and other countries in the wider region, to open new roads of peace and cooperation. Indeed, our countries are steadily deepening and enhancing their bilateral relations. In this context, Greek Prime Minister Konstantinos Mitsotakis visited Riyadh last October and participated in both the Middle East Green Initiative Summit and the Future Investments Initiative in Riyadh. He held important meetings and discussions and took key decisions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. There is a shared political desire to bring our bilateral relations to the level of our high mutual ambitions. More recently, between March 12 and 14, an important Greek ministerial and business delegation visited Saudi Arabia. Those taking part included Minister of Development and Investment Adonis Georgiadis, Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister for Economic Diplomacy and Openness Kostas Fragogiannis, Deputy Minister for Tourism Sophia Zacharaki and other high-ranking government, Enterprise Greece and chambers of commerce officials. Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih and other ministers and high-ranking officials hosted and honored our delegation. The first stop of the Greek delegation in the Kingdom was AlUla, the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its unique and spectacular natural environment. It highly impressed the delegation. The Saudi-Greek Investment Forum, held on March 13, was a very successful event that showcased the investment opportunities in both Saudi Arabia and Greece and resulted in hundreds of bilateral business meetings. The next meeting of the joint ministerial committee that will take place in Athens in May, as well as the first plenary session of the Saudi-Greek Business Council, will both further promote bilateral investment, trade and business cooperation. Today, 201 years since the start of the Greek War of Independence, Greece views its future with optimism and self-confidence. Most importantly, Greece is proud of its deepening ties with Saudi Arabia, as both countries are strong advocates of the rule of law, are deeply committed to enhancing bilateral relations to preserve peace, stability, economic growth and prosperity in our wider region, and are attached to preserving international law, peace and stability, while aspiring to bridge the gaps and connect the Gulf with the Eastern Mediterranean, the Balkans and Europe. We share many common values, our cultures have many similarities and there is a profound mutual respect and esteem. Alexis Konstantopoulos Today, our thoughts and prayers go to the Greek community of Ukraine, which is enduring the hardships of war. Civilians, including women, children and the elderly, are trapped in conflict zones and seeing their lives threatened, while homes and properties are being destroyed. Let us hope war and their hardships will end soon. The Greek state is by their side. Finally, I would like to thank our Saudi friends for the warm hospitality they reserve for our Greek community and business. We are proud to participate in Saudi Arabia’s transformational journey toward its bright future. As a token of our solid friendship, the Kingdom Tower will on Friday illuminate Riyadh’s skyline with the Greek colors. Alexis Konstantopoulos is the Ambassador of Greece to Saudi Arabia, Oman and Yemen. Twitter: @AlexisKonstant3 Disclaimer: Views expressed by writers in this section are their own and do not necessarily reflect Arab News" point of view