BERLIN – “The narrative in Greek-German relations is changing. Our relationship is now that of equal partners and can initiate investments for the benefit of both sides,” Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said in his speech at the German-Hellenic Economic Forum on Monday.

“The situation in Greece is extremely positive. In February, the economic sentiment index was the highest since 2000,” he said.

“We want to increase the 4.5 million German tourists that come to Greece, mostly in the summer. We want you to come during the other seasons as well. Apart from beautiful beaches, we also have very attractive mountains,” he said.

The most important thing was for bilateral cooperation to grow in more dynamic sectors, such as green energy, pharmaceutical technology and new waste management, Mitsotakis said.

“We can already enumerate some encouraging initiatives. Relations between the two countries were tested during the crisis but withstood and we now have an opportunity to enhance them further,” Mitsotakis said.

Finally, the Greek prime minister said: “We are laying the foundations for the next day and the day after that… Since Germany is the honoured country at this year Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF), we are looking forward to Chancellor Merkel’s presence at TIF and to have an opportunity to inaugurate it together.”