NASSAU, Bahamas -- His Excellency Alexandros Maillos Ambassador-designate of the Hellanic Republic, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Arthur Hanna Governor General on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Government House. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel)

NASSAU , Bahamas - The Bahamas welcomed its first Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic on Thursday, June 26, which symbolises the continuance of good relations between both countries formed more than a century ago.

Governor General His Excellency Arthur Hanna accepted Letters of Credence from His Excellency Alexandros Mallias, Ambassador of the Hellenic Republic to The Bahamas, during a ceremony at Government House.

“The Bahamas values the cordial relations with the Hellenic Republic, which predated the formal establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries in May 1993,” the Governor General said.

In November 1942, the Government of Greece appointed an honourary vice counsul and promoted to honourary counsul, the late Christopher George Esfakis.

“Your accreditation symbolises the continuance of good relations between The Bahamas and the Hellenic Republic, founded upon the strong bonds of friendship, cooperation, solidarity, mutual respect and freedom,” the Governor General told Ambassador Mallias.

“These bonds are strengthened by the thriving Greek community in The Bahamas who have prospered, made great contributions in the local business community and thereby have played a part in national development,” he said.

The Hellenic Republic and The Bahamas share commonalities in geographical configuration; the economic engines of tourism and shipping; and multi-lateralism as a foreign policy priority, such as active participation in the United Nations and International Maritime Organisation and the importance of regional stability.

NASSAU, Bahamas -- His Excellency, Alexandros Maillos, Ambassador-designate of the Hellanic Republic, presented his Letters of Credence to His Excellency Arthur Hanna Governor General on Thursday, June 26, 2008 at Government House. HE Maillos receives a gift from HE Hanna. (BIS Photo/Raymond A. Bethel)

The Governor-General also referred to the world-recognised “unique status” which both countries share in history and cultural achievement.

He explained that The Bahamas and the Hellenic Republic also have national socio-economic challenges such as management of the positive and negative aspects of migration, particularly illegal migration and structural reforms needed for economic diversification, and broadening and solidifying of participatory democracy.

The Governor General also took note of the Hellenic Republic’s current foreign policy priorities, namely the use and possible implication of the name Macedonia by another state, as well as the Hellenic Republic’s candidature to the postal operations council of the Universal Postal Union.

“These will be brought to the attention of the relevant authorities for careful consideration,” he said.

From the perspective of bilateral relations, “The Bahamas will be able to count on the support of Greece for a successful conclusion to negotiations of the Schengen Visa; a level playing field in respect of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development’s Tax Recovery Policy; Sustainable European Union Investment; and, for Bahamas United Nations candidacies to the Economic and Social Council and the Commission on Sustainable Development,” The Governor General said.

Ambassador Mallias underlined the key importance that Greece attaches to the respect of the UN Security Council Resolutions 817 and 845 with regard to the name of the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.

He also asked The Bahamas’ support in the upcoming elections to the Postal Operations Council of the Universal Postal Union.

“Our bonds and affinities are being strengthened moreover by the presence of a small but thriving Greek community in The Bahamas, who has prospered and feels well at home in your beautiful and sunny country,” Ambassador Mallias said.

Ambassador Mallias, 59, an economist also obtained a post-graduate certificate in political science. He joined the Foreign Service in 1976 and served in a number of diplomatic areas in Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Albania. He is married to child psychologist Françoise-Anne Mallias and the couple has two daughters.