Athens News Agency: News in English, 06-05-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

[02] Greek FinMin urges action against unemployment

[03] Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis departs for Helsinki

[04] Deputy FM outlines eco, developmental policy

[05] EPP representatives meet in Rhodes

[01] Greek PM Costas Karamanlis addresses OECD Forum in Paris

At the same time, he referred to the most important economic and political events of the last 20 years which contributed to this direction.

"An unprecedented development momentum in many parts of the world has emerged after all this. At the same time, however, concern has been created over the uncertainty in employment, social exclusion, the widening of imbalances, the threat of terrorism, safe energy supply and the environment. However, regardless of convictions prevailing, globalisation constitutes a composition of opportunities and challenges," he said.

Karamanlis further underlined that globalisation "can be reined in and directed carefully for the benefit of the world community. However, targeted and active national policies are necessary. International cooperation is necessary. Efforts for common targets are necessary. The speed and the extent of changes do not allow negligence and delays."

He also referred to a phrase by Darwin to describe opportunities: "the one who survives is not the strongest or the cleverest, but he who responds to changes in a better way."

Karamanlis went on to say that "the impressive development of southeastern Europe is an indicative example. A region with a turbulent past which, however, has chosen a very promising future with its adjustment and its incorporation in the international economy."

Referring to Greece, the prime minister said that "Greece, being the only member of the European Union in the region is actively encouraging cooperation in many sectors, such as transport, entrepreneurship, trade, tourism and energy. The region is developing into an international energy centre through coordinated actions, improving the development momentum and strengthening its international presence."

Karamanlis also reiterated his determination to forge ahead with reforms, saying that "on the contrary, countries that do not dare to adopt successful reforms, countries that do not improve their competitivensss face great difficulties in safeguarding the benefits of global integration."

PM to chair OECD ministerial council on Tuesday

Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis will chair the annual ministerial Council of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) taking place in Paris on Tuesday and Wednesday on the theme "Delivering Prosperity", alternate government spokesman Evangelos Antonaros announced on Monday.

According to Antonaros, Greece last chaired the OECD ministerial council in 1976 and, in its role as the presidency, has made a decisive contribution to the selection of topics under discussion.

In addition to the ministerial council, there will also be an OECD Forum held in Paris on May 22-23 where speakers will have an opportunity to exchange views on balancing globalisation.

(ANA-MPA photo of Greek Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis (R) meeting OECD Secretary General Donald Johnston (L) at the OECD Forum in Paris on Monday)

[02] Greek FinMin urges action against unemployment

Alogoskoufis was the first speaker at the opening plenary panel of the OECD Forum on the topic "Balancing Globalisation".

He stressed the need for immediate OECD actions and cooperation to help tackle the problems of the global economy, with policies targeting growth that will lower unemployment and social exclusion, while noting that the necessary reforms taking place on an international level should be carried out in a consensual way and after better coordination of efforts between states, organisations and the agencies involved.

The Greek minister also stated that global economic integration should be seen as a challenge and dealt with in a balanced way, so that there were more opportunities for the diffusion of wealth.

Asked to comment on current pressures on emerging stock markets, he said it was premature to talk of a crisis, describing the trends as a 'correction'.

Later on Monday, Alogoskoufis was scheduled to meet French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Thierry Breton and to chair talks between international employer and employment organisations.

(ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Economy and Finance Minister George Alogoskoufis)

[03] Greek FM Dora Bakoyannis departs for Helsinki

The award is for the work she had done as Athens mayor during the Olympic Games in 2004, as well as for her contribution to the spreading of Francophony.

(ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis)

[04] Deputy FM outlines eco, developmental policy

According to Stylianidis, Athens based its policies on political, developmental and economic diplomacy, seeking to make utmost use of its advantages to adopt a peacemaking role, since peace could not exist without prosperity and stability, development and democracy.

Greece offered 0.24 per cent of state revenue, or â¬464 million, for projects in developing countries, especially those in its immediate neighbourhood, he said. This made Greece the biggest donor to the Balkan region at this time, in addition to a major developmental programme of â¬500 million in subsidies for Greek and mixed business enterprises investing in Southeastern Europe.

He also emphasised the strong presence of Greek banking and construction-sector firms in the region and Greek economic activity in Turkey, especially in energy and services, that had led to a 40 per cent jump in exports to Turkey this year.

[05] EPP representatives meet in Rhodes

Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis inaugurated the meeting, stressing in a statement that it was an interesting opportunity to explain the positions of New Democracy and the positions of the government on the efforts being made to enable Europe to forge ahead in all sectors.

"New Democracy has been playing a very active role in the EPP for many years and we are glad to be able to proceed together in the direction of a stronger Europe," the deputy minister said.

(ANA-MPA file photo of Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Yiannis Valynakis)

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