Alternate Foreign Minister Nikos Xydakis met in Brussels yesterday, 16 December 2015, with European Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Johannes Hahn.
During the meeting, which took place in an excellent atmosphere, the Austrian Commissioner referred, initially, to the European Commission proposal for a new force for guarding the European Union’s external borders. Mr. Xydakis highlighted Greece’s longstanding support for proposals that enhance border protection, adding that the new force, when it is created, must act with the consent of the interested state.
Mr. Xydakis then referred to the large number of reforms that have been legislated in Greece in a very short time, as well as to the ongoing and intensive efforts of the Greek government. The two men agreed on the need for stability and confrontation of the debt issue in order to attract investments to Greece and lower unemployment.
Mr. Hahn then briefed Mr. Xydakis on his recent meetings in FYROM and the prospects for accelerating the process of resolving the problem facing the two countries and opening accession negotiations following elections and the achievement of political stability in FYROM. Mr. Xydakis reiterated Greece’s longstanding and practical support for FYROM – along with its interest in stability and growth in the neighbouring country – noting that Greece is the biggest investor in FYROM and that resolution of the issue is in the common interest.
December 17, 2015