New German Ambassador goes Greek in message of unity

Germany’s new Ambassador to Athens, Ernst Reichel on Friday presented his credentials to the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Prokopis Pavlopoulos but also to the Greek public.

Reichel decided to also introduce himself to the wider public, speaking in Greek in his opening and closing statements in a social media video posting.

In the video message, Reichel explains that he calls his philosophy about how he plans to represent his country in Greece.

Set against a background of Greek sites like the Acropolis and the port of Piraeus, Reichel sent a message of unity within the European Union and said that in an unstable world daily solidarity, compromises, understanding and respect among EU countries was necessary.

Referring to Greece's proud history, he said Germany feels shame for the terror it spread in Europe during World War II and had an obligation not to forget it.

But it also did not want to limit itself to that, and called on Greeks and Germans to collaborate against external threats and for a better future.

Check out his message here.