ATHENS, July 8 (Xinhua) -- The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for international cooperation to cope with the crisis, Greek President Katerina Sakellaropoulou said here on Wednesday when addressing the inaugural event of the Greek Chairmanship of the Council of Europe.
Greece assumed in mid-May the rotating six-month chairmanship of the Council of Europe from Georgia at an online ceremony due to the pandemic.
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, Greece opted for an e-chairmanship with most events held via teleconferencing and live streaming.
Wednesday's event which was held at the archaeological site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus opposite the Acropolis hill was attended by Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and a few dignitaries.
The COVID-19 challenge has also redefined the theme for Greek chairmanship. Athens chose to focus its chairmanship on the protection of human rights, the rule of law, and democracy in times of pandemic.
"The successive crises of the last decade have shaken the solid foundations of democracy and the rule of law in Europe. The economic crisis significantly affected social rights and benefits provided by the state in the sectors of healthcare, education, and social security," Sakellaropoulou said in her speech.
"The latest large-scale recession in Europe stoked the fires of populism and euroscepticism. The refugee and migration crisis in turn brought disintegrating tendencies and fomented nationalism," she said.
"The pandemic has only made contrasts starker. Throughout Europe, there is rising concern about public health and prosperity. The pandemic made clear that international and supranational coordination is required to handle the crisis. Our common vulnerability to the virus has highlighted the infinite possibilities for cooperation between states and international organizations," the Greek president stressed.
"It is the least we can do as part of our duty to contribute to the work of the Council of Europe, to the promotion of its values, rules, and institutional acquis, at this critical crossroads of our European future," she concluded.
Wednesday's event closed with Greek musicians performing a classical music program. The Greek chairmanship has scheduled several cultural activities until November to take place in Greece and abroad. Enditem
