Athens News Agency: News in English, 10-02-16

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

CONTENTS

[01] Papandreou meets Putin in Moscow

[02] Athens signs MoC with Special Olympics 2011 organising com't

[01] Papandreou meets Putin in Moscow

Their talks covered a broad range of issues, from political and economic cooperation to cooperation in energy and culture, and was sealed with the signature of a special protocol for 2012-2014.

A major part of their talks was devoted to energy cooperation, Papandreou later reported. He said there had been an agreement to proceed quickly with the closely-watched Burgas-Alexandroupolis oil pipeline project -- envisioning the transport of Russian crude from the Bulgarian Black Sea port to the Greek port in the NE Aegean as an alternate route to avoid the congested Bosporus Straits. They also agreed on the foundation of a company to coordinate cooperation between the two countries on the South Stream natural gas pipeline that will be based in Athens.

Papandreou stressed that economic cooperation between Greece and Russia will help Greece to re-order and develop its economy during a time of crisis.

At the start of their meeting at the Kremlin, both leaders initially referred to the excellent and long-standing ties between the two countries.

Papandreou reiterated that Greek-Russian historical, political and cultural relations are very deep, whereas close economic and energy relations have also blossomed in the recent period.

On his part, Putin warmly greeted the Greek premier and noted that he expects Papandreou's new Greek government to continue the progress achieved over the recent period in bilateral ties, while assuring that Moscow is interested in boosting relations.

In his response, Papandreou said strategic ties between the two countries must become more practical, substantive and effective.

According to reports, the closely watched Burgas-Alexandroupolis pipeline project was also discussed.

Earlier, Papandreou was received by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, during a round of official contacts with Russia's leadership in Moscow.

In his meeting the visiting Greek premier, the Russian president expressed hope that cooperation between Greece and Russia will become closer during Papandreou's term as premier.

In a later meeting with visiting World Bank President Robert Zoellick on Tuesday, Medvedev referred to his earlier meeting with Papandreou and said that he had advised the Greek prime minister to seek the aid of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank in solving Greece's deficit crisis.

Earlier, Papandreou met with the speaker of the Federation Council of the Russian Federation, Sergey Mironov and the chairman of Russia's State Duma Boris Gryzlov.

The Greek prime minister is accompanied by Minister of State Haris Pamboukis, Alternate Foreign Minister Dimitris Droutsas, Greek government spokesman Giorgos Petalotis and Deputy Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change Yiannis Maniatis.

[02] Athens signs MoC with Special Olympics 2011 organising com't

"The idea of the Special Olympics lends meaning and substance to universal values which have been more or less forgotten, such as social solidarity, social contribution and showing love for your fellow human being. For this reason, our meeting here today and the signing of the Memorandum of Cooperation not only has a practical function, but is a symbolic act," Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis said during the special ceremony held in the Democracy hall.

Athens 2011 organising committee chairwoman Joanna Despotopoulou commended Kaklamanisâ contribution to the joint goal of staging successful Games and noted that preparations are underway to host 10,000 athletes from 185 countries in Athens, together with coaches, families, officials and prominent personalities who will participate in the World Games.

"We are truly grateful as the economic situation and innumerable problems deprive us of the ability to reach out with optimism to inspire Greek citizens, to mobilize the business community, to raise awareness among the major public welfare institutions so that they can join us in this major humanitarian, cultural, educational and sporting event that Athens will host in 2011," she said.

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