Wednesday, October 10, 2012
German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Athens yesterday and held talks with Greek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras at the Maximos Mansion.
At a joint conference following their meeting, the Greek premier underlined Greece's determination to stay in the eurozone, stressing that combating the recession and soaring unemployment was a prerequisite for success.
He added that "Greece has turned a new page. Our credibility has been restored impressively and the Chancellor is one of the first leaders to recognize this."
He noted that in their discussion, both "ascertained sincerity, mutual understanding, solidarity and a feeling that we can overcome ... the problems that plague Europe, as Europe is our family."
On her part, the Chancellor stressed that she hoped and wanted Greece to remain in the eurozone, acknowledging the hard times Greece is going through, adding that it was worth staying the course, given the progress attested at the latest Eurogroup.
She also said that Germany will reinforce bilateral relations and intensify its efforts towards streamlining investment, health and local administration.
Merkel underscored that "we have a common currency, 60% of Germany's exports are to Europe and 40% to the Eurozone. If one is not doing well, then no one is doing well. The road is tough but it leads to success. Not everything has been achieved but important steps have been made."
After the press conference, the Chancellor was received by the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias.
In their meeting, Papoulias noted that the Greek people have reached their limits on account of the austerity measures, and what they need instead are "measures of hope to deal with unemployment, measures for growth."
- Let’s Talk Business
Chancellor Merkel and Prime Minister Samaras also met with German and Greek businesspeople for talks on investments in several sectors.
Present at the meeting were the Chairman of the Greek-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Maillis, the Chairmain of the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises Dimitris Daskalopoulos, Development Minister Kostis Hatzidakis and representatives from companies across the business spectrum in Greece, as well as German businessmen who accompanied the Chancellor during her visit.
The event was organised by the German Embassy in Athens.
Youtube: Samaras-Merkel Joint Press Conference (in Greek) [VIDEO] & Kathimerini Daily: Coalition sees positives in Merkel visit
