Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 13-09-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek president on official visit to Slovakia

[01] Greek president on official visit to Slovakia

In joint statements made after the meeting, the Slovak president praised Greece's efforts for exiting the crisis, saying that "Greece has our full support". He added, however, that it was difficult to persuade Slovenians to support Greece when they are in worse financial straits, while stressing that EU policies should show solidarity and support.

On his part, Papoulias said that they discussed the prospects of the European plan - as they are being shaped under the pressure of the economic crisis and in the context of the Greek EU Presidency in the first half of 2014 - the EU integration of the Western Balkan states and European policy on good neighborly relations.

They also discussed the economic situation in Europe and in the two countries, as well as developments in Egypt and Syria, with President Papoulias noting that the international community should act with self-restraint. "The crisis in Syria is political and needs a political solution by the Syrian people," he said. Papoulias also briefed his counterpart on the course of Greek foreign policy issues and developments in the Cyprus problem.

Later, the Greek President met with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico and visited Bratislava Mayor Milan Ftacnik.

At noon, he attended a business forum hosted by entrepreneurs from both countries. Keynote speaker Deputy Development Minister Notis Mitarakis underlined the positive developments in the Greek economy and the favourable investment environment that is being created.

Later in the evening, Papoulias and the Greek delegation will attend a formal dinner hosted by the Slovak President in honour of his Greek counterpart.

His official visit will be wrapped up on Tuesday after meeting with the country's parliament president and following a visit to the city of Nitra and its monument for Christian missionaries Saints Cyril and Methodius, who arrived in Slovakia 1,150 years ago.

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