Prime Minister Samaras arrived on December 8 in Nicosia, the first stop of his three-country European tour (Cyprus, Germany and Norway) to be concluded today, December 10.
 
In Cyprus, Samaras attended a dinner in his honour, hosted by Cyprus President Demetris Christofias, while on the following day he delivered a eulogy at a memorial service which marked the fourth anniversary of the death of former Cyprus president,Tassos Papadopoulos.
 

On December 9, Samaras departed for Munich, the second leg of his trip, where he met with Bavarian Minister President (local PM) and Christian Social Union (CSU) party leader Horst Seehofer.During their meeting, the two leaders discussed various issues of bilateral cooperation, with the German side focusing on education and career orientation.

Speaking to the press, following a working dinner with the Bavarian PM, at Prince Charles Palace, Samaras expressed satisfaction over the course of the Greek bond buyback programme, which is expected to significantly reduce Greece’s debt to GDP ratio.

On his part, the Bavarian PM noted that "what Samaras said on how Greece will exit the crisis, and on the establishment of better and more competitive conditions for investors, were very convincing." 

He reiterated that the Greek people and government deserve respect because they are on the right track to overcome the crisis, noting that the Bavarian government supports the Greek one on this path.In an interview with the German daily Muncher Merkur, ahead of his visit to Munich, Samaras referred to the meeting as a new beginning, since "[Greece and Germany] are partners. We share the same values and ideas. I come to Munich as a friend, with an open mind, sincerity, fairness and honesty."

Today, Samaras will be travelling to Oslo, along with other European leaders to attend the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize, awarded this year to the European Union.

Kathimerini Daily: Bavarians receive Greek PM Samaras with words of support