Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-05-21

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Greece joins declaration for "cultural corridors" in SE Europe

[02] Ministers visit display of Greek products in Japan

[01] Greece joins declaration for "cultural corridors" in SE Europe

The president of the republic, Karolos Papoulias, welcomed the meeting to forge an action plan that will trace, conserve promote and sustainably use "cultural corridors" in the region, which was called by his Bulgarian counterpart, Georgi Parvanov and organised with UNESCO and the Council of Europe.

Parvanov told a news conference that the Balkan leaders had agreed the region's cultural heritage was a unifying element, aiding entry of southeast European countries into the European Union; and Papoulias noted that culture was the tightest link among peoples of the region.

Following a request by Deputy Culture Minister Petros Tatoulis, the next forum will be held in Greece in 2007, focusing on the Watercourse Way. The session adopted a proposal by Papoulias that the concept should be widened to embrace rivers and seas.

Seen warmly shaking hands after the news conference were Papoulias and his counterpart from the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Branko Crvenkovski.

The Council of Europe's Cultural Routes programme initiated in 1987 promotes the notion of a shared cultural heritage in Europe by means of visible paths, also providing concrete input for the formation of cultural tourism strategies.

The councilās regional cultural and natural heritage programme, which has so far identified monuments and sites in seven participating states that contribute to the European identity, spurred the concept of cultural corridors.

[02] Ministers visit display of Greek products in Japan

The two officials visited the Matsusakaya store in Nagoya on the last day of an official visit to Japan timed to coincide with Expo 2005.

Basiakos told reporters that the drive to promote Greek farm products would continue after the current display, which is the second at the 1,400-store chain in recent months. On show are items including olive oil, wine, beer, honey, mastic, soap, jewellery and tourist souvenirs.

Alogoskoufis noted that the exhibition was initiated by the Japanese side working with the United Nations, proof that interest existed in the Japanese market for quality Greek brand products.

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