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THE PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE UGS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES, REPRESENTING THE UNITED
VOICE OF GREEK SHIPOWNERS, DISCUSSED THE MAIN CHALLENGES OF THEIR INDUSTRY WITH
LEADING POLITICAL AND BUSINESS PERSONALITIES

as in strengthening and expanding the North Atlantic Alli-
ance, with two new members. It is in the interests of our trans-
atlantic allies and NATO for a strong, coherent and credible
In the context of the Delphi Economic Forum, a high-level European pillar to emerge within a solid Euro-Atlantic Alli-
conference held between 26 and 29 April, prominent econo- ance, especially given concerns about China's rapprochement
mists and industry stakeholders gathered to discuss emerg- with Russia," the president said.
ing challenges, review national and regional agendas and
promote sustainable and socially responsible growth policies During the Forum, prominent members of the UGS board rep-
for Europe, the wider Eastern Mediterranean and Greece. resented their association and spoke about the commitment
of its representative body towards a closer communication
Inaugurating the proceedings of the 8th Economic Forum of with Greek and international economic actors/players.
Delphi on Wednesday 26 April, the President of the Hellenic More specifically, after the speeches of the President of the
Republic, Mrs Katerina Sakellaropoulou, gave the opening Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou and the organizers,
speech, underlining that "in a climate of geopolitical reor- the president of the Union of Greek Shipowners, Ms Melina
ganisation, Greece looks to the future with optimism and Travlos, welcomed the international forum of Delphi and elabo-
self-confidence." rated on the present and the future of Greek shipping.
Referring to the improvement in relations between Greece In the presence of representatives of international bodies
and Turkey after February's devastating earthquakes and the and personalities from the political, economic, diplomatic,
aid sent by Greece, she argued that it "brings the two neigh- and cultural world and a packed auditorium, Ms Travlos spoke
bouring peoples closer together and creates hope for a new, about the superiority of Greek shipping and the international
better era in bilateral relations." recognition it receives by presenting numerical data. It was
She also pointed out that "in a world of tectonic changes, the first time that distinguished personalities of the UGS
in which the dense timing [of events] often tests our abil- board, such as Vice-President A. Lemos, Secretary D. Fafalios,
ity to predict or understand them, Greece is called upon to and Treasurer J. Xylas, participated in this international forum.
coordinate and change as well, in order to remain a force of Former President and current member of the UGS J. Lyras
European stability and consistency in its area." was also present.
During her speech, she also pointed out that "from the first Ms. Melina Travlos, President of the Union of Greek Ship-
moment, Greece, as an organic part of Europe and the West, owners, institutionally representing Greek shipping as the
hastened to defend the values of international law against leading sector of the national economy, stated at the Open-
aggressive revisionism. Supporting the Ukrainian people, ing Session:
whose future is in a democratic Europe of peace and pros- "Greek shipping is Europe's superweapon. It is a national eco-
perity, remains a commitment of the West." nomic partner, providing billions of euros in maritime foreign
"The Russian invasion marked the geopolitical maturing of exchange and hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect
the European Union. Europe realised that economic and jobs, steadily investing in various sectors of our national
energy interdependence with authoritarian regimes is not economy. It is a national asset; it is our national pride. The
enough to ensure peace. Thus, it is rapidly advancing both in national beneficence and social solidarity towards the moth-
strengthening its armour and defence consolidation, as well erland and the Greeks are consistent, silent, and broad. Our

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