Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis today received Greece's delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest, headed by pop singer Sakis Rouvas, at City Hall. The meeting was held within the context of a Memorandum of Cooperation signed by state broadcaster ERT and the City of Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company (ATEDCO), concerning the support of Greece's participation in the 54th Eurovision Song Contest in the hope that Athens may win and host the event next year. ERT special advisor Johnny Kalimeri, ATEDCO director Panagiotis Arkoumaneas, ERT public relations manager Evangelia Piskera and ERT international relations manager Fotini Yiannoulatou attended the meeting.
Mayor Kaklamanis conveyed his best wishes to the Greek delegation and noted the significance of Greece's, and particularly Athens' hosting of the contest next year, due to the fact that the event draws more than 2,000 journalists and some 2,500 delegate members and officials.
Mr Arkoumaneas referred to the good cooperation which the municipality has developed with ERT for the promotion of Athens abroad, within the context of which a video clip of the song has been produced that reveals the beauty of the city and will be viewed by some 120 million people in 50 countries around the world.
After the meeting, the following statements were made:
Mayor Kaklamanis: Athens responded to an invitation by Greek state television to assist, to the degree that it is able - and we can do a great deal - in ensuring Greece's participation in this year's Eurovision Song Contest proves successful. We hope to bring home the first prize, which will bring joy to all of Greece, and especially Athens. If this does indeed happen, our city will host the event next May. Around 5,000 people would visit Athens, resulting in extensive promotion of the city and its profile as a tourist destination, while providing some economic relief in very difficult times. As Mayor I am obliged to extend my support and do all I can to help achieve this goal. The Eurovision contest is a great celebration. I wish you every success. Don't even think of returning without the first prize.
Sakis Rouvas: I consider it a great honour to be received by Mr Kaklamanis, the Mayor of Athens, who agreed to meet with us and assist us in our efforts. This gives me great strength because, as I have said in the past, all of us must unite and invest all of our efforts in achieving this goal, which I now consider to be a common goal.
Journalist: Mr Mayor, in what way do you intend to support this effort?
Mayor Kaklamanis: Through the activities of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Company, which was established by the City of Athens in the form of a public limited company, but also through my personal ties and contacts with colleagues in European cities.
27.02.2009
