Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Kotzias and Balkan EU counterparts have working dinner in Brussels

[02] Greek, Japanese ministers discuss closer bilateral relations

[03] Investors show strong interest in Hellenic Sugar Industry's property sale

[01] Kotzias and Balkan EU counterparts have working dinner in Brussels

The meeting was held on Sunday night and was the fourth such meeting of the Balkan EU member-states, proposed by Kotzias in order to reinforce diplomatic coordination between the four countries. It was held at Bulgaria's permanent representation at the EU.

According to diplomatic sources, Kotzias praised Bulgarian Foreign Minister Daniel Mitov for his significant contribution toward further improving bilateral relations with Greece and his constructive contribution to increasing the importance of Balkan states within the EU.

[02] Greek, Japanese ministers discuss closer bilateral relations

"We had an opportunity to reaffirm the excellent level of our relations and to discuss ways to develop these further in all areas," Katrougalos said after the meeting. He noted that a visit from the Japanese prime minister would be a new milestone in relations between the two countries "sealing the new momentum that we wish to give to them."

Kishi also referred to the importance of relations between Greece and Japan and a desire to develop these further, especially in economic affairs.

Katrougalos noted the excellent prospects for closer cooperation in economic affairs and trade and said they discussed ways to promote bilateral trade and increase trade transactions. He also informed Kishi of the "significant investment and business opportunities presented by the recovering Greek economy" and the quality of services in tourism, which could make Greece a top destination for Japanese tourists.

They agreed on the signature of a memorandum for bilateral cooperation in sport and culture, ahead of the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, and they also referred to maritime cooperation between Greece and Japan, with emphasis on the need to observe international law and establish the rule of law at sea.

Kishi also expressed Japan's solidarity with Greece and Europe against the challenge posed by the refugee crisis and noted his visit to the Elaionas refugee centre in Athens on Sunday.

"My country has already given more than 1.65 billion dollars to assist refugees in Syria, Iraq and neighbouring countries in the region that are a source of refugees. We will continue to work for the solution of this problem," he said. Kishi informed Katrougalos that Japan intends to open up an embassy in Nicosia in 2018.

[03] Investors show strong interest in Hellenic Sugar Industry's property sale

Manis said that this very positive development led Piraeus Real Estate to postpone for one more week, January 23, a deadline for submitting bids by candidates.

In this framework, interested buyers should submit their financial offers for each one of the six properties by January 23, 2017, based on the minimum price set by an independent consultant.

The six property assets are: a factory unit in Larisa for around 8.0 million euros, a factory unit in Xanthi for at least 7.8 million, a real estate asset in Sindos, Thessaloniki at a price of at least 3.0 million euros, an eight-story building in Thessaloniki for 2.9 million, an apartment in Kolonaki, central Athens, for 260,000 euros and offices in central Thessaloniki for 2.73 million euros.

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