L. FABIUS: Ladies and gentlemen, it is a pleasure and an honor for me to receive my Greek counterpart. You are all aware of the very close ties of friendship linking the two countries. We are standing by one another. We stood by one another during the difficult times, and although the difficulties have not yet been overcome, Greece has already got through a difficult stage. France was at Greece’s side and remains so, because we believe that Greece is vital to the stability of Europe.
My friend and colleague Dimitris and I talked about issues of international interest, European issues of course, given that at the end of this week there is an important European Council on the financial perspectives, and what’s more, Greece will be assuming the EU Presidency in 2014. We talked about bilateral issues. We insisted in particular on the need to further develop our economic relations. We have much to do together. We talked about regional issues. Naturally, we talked about Syria, Mali – issues that our governments’ are facing on a daily basis. I told Dimitris the degree to which Greece is a decisive element in the EU. It is true that, due to the well-known situation, our Greek friends have made major efforts. France is standing by Greece on this difficult path, and now, as things gradually normalize, we continue to be at the side of our Greek friends, very simply because the friendship between France and Greece is a pillar in which we have faith.
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: First of all, I would like to confirm what Laurent said earlier regarding the profound friendship that exists between France and Greece. We have close cooperation within the framework of the EU. We have converging positions – identical, I would say – on many issues. We maintain excellent bilateral relations, historical ties that link the two countries.
As was said, our meeting was dedicated in large part to the economic situation in the Eurozone and to the negotiations on the EU budget for 2014-2020.
I noted the significant progress that has been achieved by Greece, particularly with the spectacular, I would say, reduction in the deficit. I would like to state anew our government’s resolve to continue the plan of bold reforms. We agreed that we must fight together, with all our European partners, against the crisis that is hitting not only Greece, but Europe as well. We have already made a lot of progress in Greece as well as in Europe, but we need to intensify our efforts. France’s position on this is decisive.
Naturally, we talked about the situation in Mali. And on this issue, Greece supported France’s initiative in Mali from the outset, participating in the European training force mission. We are doing this, my dear Laurent, despite the economic difficulties. We also talked about other current international issues, such as the situation in Syria and the Middle East.
I would like to close by pointing to the extent to which Greece depends on France’s support and solidarity at this time of crisis.
Once again, I would like to thank Laurent Fabius for his warm welcome and say that I look forward to seeing him in Greece.
L. FABIUS: Thank you, Dimitris. Perhaps we could answer one or two questions.
JOURNALIST: I would like to ask whether you discussed the upcoming visit of Hollande to Athens on 18 February. What results do you expect from Greece? What sectors did you put emphasis on?
L. FABIUS: We talked about the issues to be covered by the visit. There is a programme for the visit, as the Greeks very warmly invited President Hollande, and I hope this will take place very soon. I will talk about this with Francois Hollande.
Regarding the scope of our cooperation, as Dimitris said, it is multifaceted (economic, educational, cultural, technical). There is no lack of issues to discuss. Our countries have been friends for a very long time now. The manner in which we have collaborated recently is exemplary, and we have every intention of broadening this cooperation.
JOURNALIST: Mr. Minister, in the economic sector, is France thinking of investing in Greece? In the context of bilateral economic relations, how do you see Greece at this difficult time.
L. FABIUS: Greece has taken many initiatives to deal with the present situation. Any time there are plans that can be implemented – and in which French companies can participate – we are very pleased. There can also be joint investments in third countries. And there is also already cooperation in technical sectors, such as training and technology. Our cooperation has to concern all fields.
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: Let’s not forget that France is already the third largest investor in Greece …
L. FABIUS: And I hope we can expand on that.
D. AVRAMOPOULOS: And this year we expect a very large number of French tourists to visit our country. Perhaps more than in any other year.
February 4, 2013