Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-27

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greece and Algeria to 'intensify' bilateral relations, Kotzias says in Algiers

[02] 8th TEDxAthens to be held on May 13 at Stavros Niarchos Foundation

[03] Regional government to use drones to help with fires

[04] Cretan brand awarded as world's best bottled water

[01] Greece and Algeria to 'intensify' bilateral relations, Kotzias says in Algiers

Kotzias arrived in Algiers for an official visit on Thursday and held a joint press conference with Lamamra following their meeting and talks held between large Greek and Algerian delegations.

He noted that Algeria was one of the most important countries on the shores of the Mediterranean, being the largest in terms of size, with a growing population and economy, in addition to being a major exporter of natural gas and oil to Greece. He also noted the traditionally good relations between the two countries.

Expressing satisfaction with the results of his visit, Kotzias said the trip was successful on all levels, including the immediate steps that were decided on Thursday and in terms of preparing for a visit by Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and a return visit by Algeria's foreign minister to Athens.

During their talks, Kotzias and Lamamra focused on the region's problems and agreed to further develop bilateral ties on the foreign ministry and government levels but also between businesses, with plans for a business forum. Kotzias pointed out that both countries were "neighbours of Libya in different ways" and that both had a strong interest in events in Syria, where their views converged on a series of issues. They also agreed to make preparations for a mixed ministerial committee to examine the further development of economic relations, especially in the energy sector, with Kotzias saying that Greece can act as a gateway for natural gas to Europe.

Lamamra, on his part, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of their talks and said there was already a good foundation in the relations between the two countries for further cooperation in all areas, especially energy. Praising the work done by Greek companies operating in Algeria, he said that they assisted the country's development, and expressed hope that there will be more investments in the future, pledging the foreign ministry's support.

He also welcomed the decisions for closer cooperation agreed during Kotzias' visit, noting that there was strong potential for intensifying economic relations.

Kotzias concluded his visit to Algeria by meeting the President of the Council of the Nation (Senate) Abdelkader Bensalah on Thursday afternoon.

The Greek minister's next stop is in the Maltese capital Valletta, where he will take part in the informal Gymnich meeting of EU foreign ministers on Friday.

[02] 8th TEDxAthens to be held on May 13 at Stavros Niarchos Foundation

Speakers include technology investor Christian Hernandez, explorer and ocean rower Olly Hicks, author and journalist David Patrikarakos, Professor of Health Policy at the University of Zurich Effy Vagena, Government adviser on security Tom Gash and poet and translator Katerina Anghelaki-Rooke.

This year, the event will be held in three separate areas. Apart from the main speeches at the stage of the SNFCC, an alternative stage will be set up at the Book Tower of the Library and a lab at the Donors Lounge of the Opera House.

[03] Regional government to use drones to help with fires

"Prevention and coordination are key in tackling or minimizing the impact of natural or man-made dangers, as demonstrated in practice during winter, with the heavy snowfall in the northern suburbs," Karameros said, adding the regional government is calling for volunteers to help during the fire season and media to help inform the public.

The plan was approved by Citizen Protection Minister Nikos Toskas.

[04] Cretan brand awarded as world's best bottled water

Zaro's, which is drawn from natural springs on Crete's Mount Ida or 'Psiloritis, tied for the 2017 gold medal with AlphaPure Springs Water against a total of 600 entries from all over the world.

"Crete is famous for its natural beauty, the hospitality of its inhabitants and its wonderful food. Now it will be famous for its water as well," said Berkeley Springs International Water Tasting representative Jill Klein Rone at the ceremony.

Zaro's chairman Giorgos Stamatakis said it was a "historic moment of vindication and pride for the entire Zaro's family," while the company's general director Christoforos Papadimitrakis dedicated the award to all those that had contributed to its success.

"It is a prize that has many names written on it: the names of Zaro's residents that nearly 30 years ago literally collected the company's starting capital, drachma by drachma. The names of the officials in the local authorities that supported the company over the years but also the 60 company employees that do their best to ensure that the water reaches our homes from the spring in Amati intact, containing all its nutritional elements," he said.

The Berkeley Springs water tasting in West Virginia, United States is one of the oldest and largest water tasting competitions worldwide.

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