The meeting of Western Europe’s Foreign and Defense Ministers at the RODOS PALACE was a landmark in the Continent’s cooperation , but also in the island’s contribution to international conference tourism.

Europe’s Foreign and Defense Ministers met recently on the Eastern Aegean island of Rhodes, in what is now regarded as a key development in attempts made by the 28 member states of the Western European Union (WEU), to evolve into a new order of security and peaceful cooperation, that is unmatched in the continent’s turbulent history. On this occasion, the political personalities who attended included not only the Secretaries of State and Defense Ministers of the participating countries, but also such dignitaries as NATO Secretary General X. Solana, Western European Union Secretary General J. Cutileiro, and European Commissioner V. Ramos.

The conference, which also had a celebration aspect to it, as it marked the 50th anniversary of the signing of the 1948 Treaty of Brussels, within the framework of which the WEU was founded, was held between the 11TH and 12th of May. The venue for this important meeting was the RODOS PALACE RESORT & CONVENTION CENTER, the largest purpose- built and best equipped of its kind in the Eastern Mediterranean, since it can cater for up to 4,000 delegates in 20 multi-use halls, chosen in the natural solution, considering that it had also successfully hosted the EU Summit Meeting of European Leaders in 1998.

High on the agenda were security issues in Europe and the further involvement of the Eastern European states in regional military cooperation with the WEU. Major decisions were made with respect to the expansion of such cooperation in formerly conflict–ridden areas, such us the Balkans and the countries of the former Soviet Union . An even more integrated role, jointly for the EU, NATO, the WEU, and their new associates in the emerging democracies of central and Eastern Europe, was foreseen.

The Rodos Palace Resort Hotel & Convention Center was able to provide the facilities for all the activities, ranging from the accommodation, dining and entertainment of every delegate, to top-level telecommunications and security. A large-scale development plan of the conference center was undertaken, aiming and satisfying the particular requirements of the conference. It resulted in the expansion in capacity of the International Conference center and the creation of new Executive Suites, numerous ministerial lounges with exhibits from famous Greek painters from the Gallery of Rhodes, and extensive administration facilities.

The Jupiter Ballroom renowned as the most grandiose conference hall in Greece, greatly due to its 8-meter high ceiling and its theatrical–stage, hosted the joint meeting of all the Foreign and Defense Ministers. Infrared translation systems for all the major European Ministers of Defense and the Nafsika and Nefeli halls for the Permanent Councils of the WEU. The press facilities, which hosted 200 Greek and foreign media staffers, included all state-of-the-art telecommunications systems including ISDN lines and video walls.

The entire responsibility for the catering of the multiple dining and entertainment event taking place at the hotel, as well as the major ceremonial event held at the world-renowned Castle of the Order of ST. John at the Medieval Town of Rhodes, relied exclusively upon RODOS PALACE. This provided an excellent opportunity for the expert chefs and the professional staff to exhibit their culinary and service skill, and once again justify the admirable reputation that RODOS PALACE has established.

It should also be noted that, for all the conferencing and entertainment to be enjoyed in peace, adequate but discreet security was a must. To achieve this complex task, 700 police officers, marines and frogmen, along with war-navy vessels and helicopters were temporarily transferred to the island of Rhodes, from mainland Greece.

In conclusion, RHODES and RODOS PALACE, once more the epicenter of worldwide politic l interest, drew very favorable reviews pertaining to the impeccable organization of meetings of such magnitude from the organizers and the foreign dignitaries alike.

RHODES, being an island rich in historical and cultural heritage and natural beauties and RODOS PALACE an imposing Resort Hotel and International Convention Center, with a long and thriving history of successfully hosting European and International conferences, including the EU Summit Meeting of European Leaders in 1998, once again, they have re-established their position as the Leading Conference Venue in Europe!

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