Athens News Agency: News in English, 08-01-11

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis, Singh discuss political cooperation

[02] Greek-UN aid to Africa

[03] FinMin in Malta on Sat.

[01] Karamanlis, Singh discuss political cooperation

In statements afterwards, the Greek premier said that bilateral economic relations had been developing rapidly in recent years and that there were many potential areas of cooperation in business, trade, shipping and tourism between the two countries.

He also underlined to his Indian counterpart Greece's role as an economic centre for southeastern Europe and examined possible cooperation in culture and education.

Noting the very good cooperation between Greece and India within international organisations, he noted Athens' strong support for further expanding the United Nations Security Council. In terms of the European Union, meanwhile, Karamanlis said that Greece was seeking to find ways and means to upgrade the general framework of EU-Indian relations.

The two premiers also discussed regional affairs in southern Asia, such as the current situation in Afghanistan and recent developments in Pakistan, while Karamanlis briefed Singh in detail on the Cyprus problem and thanked him for India's steadfast stance on this issue in recent years.

The Greek prime minister additionally discussed the outstanding dispute between Greece and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM) over FYROM's use of the name 'Macedonia', the situation in Kosovo and its repercussion on the stability and security of the Balkans and developments in Greek-Turkish relations.

Thanking his Indian counterpart for his warm reception and hospitality, Karamanlis said that his presence in India's capital demonstrated the desire of the two sides to develop bilateral ties even further.

Karamanlis arrived in New Delhi on Thursday for a three-day official visit accompanied by Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis, Minister of State and government spokesman Theodoros Roussopoulos and the head of his press office Yiannis Andrianos.

Caption: Greek prime minister Costas Karamanlis (R), on an official visit to India, with Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh (L) during an official welcoming ceremony. (EPA/H. Tyagi)

[02] Greek-UN aid to Africa

After the meeting Verros announced Greeceās decision for a financial contribution the efforts in support, through trade, of developing countries in 2008.

Specifically, Verros said Greece would finance a Centro African Conference for co-operation in maritime customs control and the co-financing of a UNCTAD ministerial conference to be held in Accra, Ghana, next April.

[03] FinMin in Malta on Sat.

The Greek minister will visit Malta on Saturday following an invitation of Prime Minister and Economy Minister Lawrence Gonzi. During his stay, Alogoskoufis will meet with Deputy Economy Minister Tonio Fenech.

Caption: ANA-MPA file photo of Economy Minister George Alogoskoufis.

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