President Papoulias begins Cairo visit; meets new Egyptian counterpart
President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias began on Thursday an official visit to Cairo with a meeting with his new Egyptian counterpart Mohamed Morsy in the evening, while he will also travel to El Alamein on Saturday for an event commemorating the Allied dead during the landmark desert battle of WWII.
Speaking after his talks with Morsy, President Papoulias expressed satisfaction for his official visit to Egypt, adding that the meeting with his Egyptian counterpart focused on the course of economic relations between the two countries.
Referring to uprisings in the Arab world, Papoulias said they brought about important changes in the entire Middle East. "My conviction in this crucial period is that the leading role of Egypt is becoming even more decisive," Papoulias noted."I also invited President Morsy to visit Greece so we can keep our talks going to the benefit of our two countries," the Greek president concluded.
A memorial service will also be held on Saturday at the Commonwealth war cemetery of El Alamein for the Greek soldiers that fell during the battle.
Papoulias is accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister for overseas Greeks' affairs Constantine Tsiaras and Defence Minister Panos Panagiotopoulos.
On Friday, Papoulias will tour the renowned Cairo archaeological museum before meeting with members of the local ethnic Greek community and business leaders.
SOURCE: ATHENS NEWS AGENCY