National Day of Greece Celebrated in Expo Milano 2015

A day of celebration for the National Day of Greece was held on Wednesday at the Expo Milano 2015, including a parade with the “Singers of Zakynthos” that filled the exhibition site with song and dance.

“Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life” is the core theme of Expo Milano 2015.

The ceremony at the Greek stand was opened by Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura who underlined that it is everyone’s responsibility to protect the planet and deliver it to the future generations, ensuring nutritional adequacy, quality and safety.

Alternate Tourism Minister Elena Kountoura opening the National Day of Greece ceremony at Expo Milano 2015.

“The concept of sustainable development, the main theme of our presence at the Universal Exposition does not understand the earth only as a museum for maintaining natural resources, flora and fauna, but also includes the concern for the seven billion inhabitants of the planet who need food, education and health care”, Ms Kountoura said.

The Greek alternate tourism minister then went on recalling the essential role that tourism has for the Greek economy and highlighted the importance of local cuisine and real cultural identity, sanctioned by the entrance of the Mediterranean diet in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity, drawn up by UNESCO in 2010.

“Today more than ever, it is necessary to defend the model of sustainable development, as the most comprehensive, since it takes into account the human factor and makes the economy, society and the environment concepts compatible with each other. ”

The Italian delegation, led by Silvia Velo, Secretary of State for the Environment and Protection of Land and Sea, together with the General Commissioner of Expo Milano 2015, Bruno Antonio Pasquino, welcomed the Hellenic guests recalling the closeness of political and social solidarity with Italy during the difficult period Greece has experienced in recent months.

“Greece plays a central role in our common home, Europe. Without Europe we would be weaker, at the mercy of unpredictable and uncontrollable events”, explained Velo.

“Your recent history shows how, with great courage, you have faced a situation that could have created serious damage to your country. Thank you for having shown what Greece has to offer to future generations in such a crucial moment for our planet.”

While in Milan, Ms Kountoura discussed ways to further boost tourist arrivals from Italy to Greece, during meetings she held with the president of the Italian Association of Tour Operators (ASTOI), Battifora Luca, and the vice president of the Italian Federation of Travel & Tourism Associations (FIAVET), Luigi Maderna.

Expo Milan runs until October 31.