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Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-01-17
CONTENTS
[01] Tsipras-Mattarella: Greece and Italy face common challenges in
economy and migration
[01] Tsipras-Mattarella: Greece and Italy face common challenges in
economy and migration
Greece and Italy are united by the common challenges they face in
economy and migration, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told Italian
President Sergio Mattarella on Tuesday, welcoming him at Maximos Mansion.
"Today we stand as EU countries, as Eurozone countries, as countries
of the European South, before common challenges, the economic crisis
and the refugee crisis. Therefore, our cooperation, similarly to the
cooperation of all the European countries in the Mediterranean, is a
critical factor for the creation of a better Europe," Tsipras said.
Mattarella is on a two-day visit to Greece and earlier in the day he
visited the refugee camp in Eleonas.
"We look forward to deepening and our bilateral cooperation in a number
of areas - the economy, investment, energy and culture, because, let us
not forget, this is our powerful weapon," he said.
On his side, Mattarella agreed on the common challenges facing the
two countries. "Another common problem that unites us is the huge
issue of migration, the huge refugee issue. Greece and Italy, given
their geographic position as borders of the EU, welcome many more
refugees. Greece and Italy have respected the age-old duty to welcome
and provide hospitality, as an indication of civilization, offering help
to thousands of women, men and children," he said.
"However Europe must commit more. It must increase the support it offers
to Greece and Italy because the refugee issue is not just a problem for
Italy and Greece, but of Europe as a whole," he added.
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