HANS DIETRICH GENSCHER: I am happy that the Greek Foreign Minister is paying an official visit to Germany, showing the good relations between the two countries. Today’s meeting is an unofficial one between friends. There are a lot of issues under discussion: bilateral issues, issues concerning all of Europe – issues to which we are seeking a common solution. We will find a solution to all these issues together, because everyone realizes how important Greek-German relations are to maintaining the unity of the EU.
DIMITRIS AVRAMOPOULOS: It is a particular pleasure to be meeting again with Mr. Genscher, who is a prominent figure in Europe and a very good friend of Greece. We had the opportunity to exchange views on issues concerning the future of Europe and issues that directly concern the handling of the economic crisis that is so threatening to European unity and cohesion.
Tomorrow I will have the opportunity to meet with my colleague Foreign Minister Westerwelle, and we will have the opportunity to discuss many of the issues concerning our bilateral relations.
But today we have the opportunity to talk to Mr. Genscher off the agenda, about issues of bilateral interest. At difficult times like this, outstanding figures like Mr. Genscher give us useful advice deriving from the experience and accompanying wisdom from all these years in public service in Germany and Europe, and we must listen to them.
Again, thank you for today’s meeting.
August 20, 2012