Tuesday, February 5, 2013
- FM in Paris
Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos paid an official visit to France at the invitation of his counterpart, Laurent Fabius. The FM also met with the Chairman of the French National Assembly’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Elisabeth Guigou. The two FMs discussed issues of international interest, European issues-focusing especially on the economic situation in the Eurozone and the 2014-2020 EU budget negotiations - the situation in Syria and the Middle East, as well as in Mali.
"France is standing by Greece on this difficult path, and now, as things gradually normalize, we continue to be at the side of our Greek friends, very simply because the friendship between France and Greece is a pillar in which we have faith," French FM Laurent Fabius said in joint statements following his meeting with Avramopoulos.
On his part, Greece’s FM pointed to the country’s significant progress, especially in substantially reducing the budget deficit, reiterating the government’s commitment to continue with bold reforms in order to achieve the set targets.
On February 1, Helene Conway-Mouret, Minister Delegate for French Nationals Abroad, concluded her two-day visit to Greece with the aim of preparing the forthcoming presidential visit scheduled for later this month.
On his part, Greece’s FM pointed to the country’s significant progress, especially in substantially reducing the budget deficit, reiterating the government’s commitment to continue with bold reforms in order to achieve the set targets.
He also noted that Greece supported France’s initiative in Mali from the outset, participating in the European training force mission, despite economic difficulties.
- Minister Delegate for French Nationals Abroad visits Athens
On February 1, Helene Conway-Mouret, Minister Delegate for French Nationals Abroad, concluded her two-day visit to Greece with the aim of preparing the forthcoming presidential visit scheduled for later this month.
Conway-Mouret also met with Deputy Foreign Minister Costas Tsiaras and exchanged views on the operation and organization of councils of nationals abroad and agreed on further cooperation.
At a press conference following their meeting, she expressed "France's solidarity toward Greece, and our admiration for the courage with which Greeks are dealing with the crisis and their determination to overcome it."
In turn, Tsiaras noted the importance of communication between European officials and expatriate communities.
During her visit, Conway-Mouret met also with representatives of the local French community and inaugurated the new building of the French consulate in Athens.
She also held talks with members of the Greek Parliament’s French-Greek Friendship group and of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.
Kathimerini Daily: French minister delegate expresses France's support for Greece
She also held talks with members of the Greek Parliament’s French-Greek Friendship group and of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee.
Kathimerini Daily: French minister delegate expresses France's support for Greece
