Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-03-29

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

CONTENTS

[01] FinMin tells Congress of Greek role in SE Europe

[01] FinMin tells Congress of Greek role in SE Europe

"As a member of the European Union, the eurozone and NATO, Greece has contributed substantially to the economic stability of its neighbouring countries during the difficult years of transition to a free economy, at the same time supporting the process of development of democratic institutions in those countries," Alogoskoufis explained, adding that Athens backs the EU accession of Turkey and other countries in the region, provided, however, that those countries respect the rules and terms that have been set out by the EU.

He further underlined the important role played by Greek businesses, which have invested more than 15 billion dollars in the region.

Regarding the positive achievements of the Greek economy, and focusing mainly on the fiscal adjustment and the economy's high growth rates in parallel with a reduction of unemployment, Alogoskoufis said Greece was now ready to capitalise on its geopolitical position at the crossroads of three continents: Europe, Asia and Africa.

Greece, he said, can offer US businesspeople direct access to those markets, providing the political, economic and fiscal stability required.

The event was attended by a plethora of US Senators, Congressional members, members of the diplomatic corps, entrepreneurs and reporters.

Alogoskoufis also met Wednesday with World Bank President Paul Wolfowitz, after which he said his purpose was to give the message that Greece now ranked among the developed countries of Europe and was able to contribute to the aid programmes of significant international organisations to countries in the Third World.

"We have now reached the point that our country can gradually increase its contribution to successful international organisations, such as the World Bank, and more specifically to aid programmes for very poor countries, mainly in Africa, which are the World Bank's priority today," Alogoskoufis said, referring to the issues discussed with Wolfowitz.

Greece currently contributes an amount corresponding to 0.12 percent of its GDP on an annual basis to the World Bank, he noted.

Other topics discussed included assistance programmes for the Balkan countries, as well as the course of the Greek economy.

On Thursday, Alogoskoufis is scheduled to meet Federal Reserve Chairman Dr. Ben Bernanke, followed by successive meetings with Deputy Treasury Secretary Robert Kimmit and Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Nicholas Burns.

During his stay in Washington, the Greek finance minister is also expected to grant interviews to the US media and hold a press conference for Greek reporters.

Caption: FinMin George Alogoskoufis. ANA-MPA photo.

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