Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-05-15

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

CONTENTS

[01] Karamanlis meets with Pakistani counterpart Aziz

[02] Greece to chair OECD meeting in Paris

[01] Karamanlis meets with Pakistani counterpart Aziz

Karamanlis called Aziz a "good friend of Greece", noting that the Pakistani prime minister had lived in Greece for many years.

The Greek premier told reporters after the meeting that Greek-Pakistani bilateral relations were on an "upward course", adding that his talks with Aziz covered a wide range of topics, including regional issues, as well as the challenges faced by the international community, such as terrorism.

He said the both ascertained in their talks the interest of both countries for further development of their bilateral relations in the sectors of commerce and investments.

Karamanlis also noted that the Greece-Pakistan Joint Ministerial Committee, which coordinates such efforts, would meet soon, and added that there was also cooperation in the sector of culture, citing more specifically the programme for the Kalash, whose roots trace back to Alexander the Great.

Also discussed were developments in the European Union, Turkey's EU prospects, Balkan issues, the Cyprus problem, the Middle East, Iraq and Afghanistan, he said.

Aziz, in turn, said that both peoples had roots as back as 700 B.C., adding that the arrival of Alexander the Great in his country had left strong traces on its people and civilisation.

He also stressed the volition for expanding relations between the two countries, and referred more particularly to tourism, agricultural products such as olive oil, and commerce.

Aziz highlighted the fact that he was accompanied on his Athens visit by a group of Pakistani businessmen, and expressed hope says for increasing cooperation and agreements would be found at the meetings they will have here with Greek businessmen

The Pakistani premier said that Greece, as a member of the European Union, plays an important role, adding that Athens has played a significant role also on the issues of Iraq and Afghanistan.

He reiterated his country's devotion to peace and stability in the region, adding that matters concerning India and other country's in Pakistan's region were also discussed.

On terrorism, Aziz strongly sided with combatting the phenomenon in all its forms.

He noted that a large Pakistani community lived in Greece, contributing to the country's economic life, and thanked Greece for its hospitality.

Earlier, Aziz was received by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias.

ANA-MPA photo / O. Panagiotou.

ANA-MPA Copyright © 2004-2005 All rights reserved.

[02] Greece to chair OECD meeting in Paris

Speaking to reporters during a press conference held in Paris, the Greek minister, accompanied by OECD's secretary-general Donald Jonhstone, said the agenda of the meeting focused on the international economic situation and outlook for the global economy, as well as ensuring world prosperity and improving economic performance, implementing reforms for growth and employment, OECD's future outlook and trade policies.

The Greek minister said the main issue of this year's meeting was "strengthening prosperity worldwide" and would focus on reforms that could made the world a safer place and the global economy more dynamic.

"The meeting is a significant opportunity for member-states to exchange views on international economic developments, to discuss some successful policies, to discuss economic policy priorities and to further enhance cooperation and coordination of policies," Alogoskoufis said.

Global growth is strong for the fourth consecutive year, although significant imbalances needed to be dealt with effecitively, such as high oil prices, fiscal deficits or trade surpluses and pressures on asset prices, he noted.

The OECD ministers will also examine the nature of structural policies needed to reduce imbalances and generate sustainable long-term growth. They will also exchange views on policies to support innovation, research and development, updating educational systems and life-long education. All these issues are directly related with improving productivity.

The Greek minister said policies aimed to boost growth and employment needed careful planning, strong social cohesion and determination by national governments.

ANA-MPA Copyright © 2004-2005 All rights reserved.

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