News from Berlin

German Foreign Minister Visits Greece: An Expression of Solidarity

January 10th, 2014

German Foreign Minister Shows Respect for Greece

The German Foreign Minister wanted to show his respect for Greece in relation to how the country has shouldered the crisis so far. He also expressed his confidence in the Greek government.

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News from Berlin. On January 9th, immediately after his arrival in the Greek capital, Foreign Minister Steinmeier met with his Greek counterpart Evangelos Venizelos. The public interest in this meeting was significant: numerous journalists had made their way to the State Department in the heart of Athens.

Following the bilateral meeting, the two ministers spoke to the German and Greek press. The questions largely revolved around EU cooperation in framework of the Greek Presidency and the situation in Greece.

Steinmeier’s visit is meant as a sign of support. Steinmeier stressed that the EU needs a capable and self-confident Greek Presidency. The German Foreign Minister also wanted to show his respect for Greece in relation to how the country has shouldered the crisis so far. He also expressed his confidence in the Greek government.

Foreign Minister Venizelos also specifically thanked the German government and the Germans for the support they have provided to Greece. The country has made some positive economic performances last year.

On Friday further political discussions will follow with Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and President Karolos Papoulias. In addition, the German Foreign Minister will meet with members of the Greek Parliament and with business representatives.

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