President Papoulias urges German investments in Greece

Greek President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias, on a visit to Berlin, urged German businessmen to invest in Greece, assuring them that they have only to gain from activity in Greece. After a meeting on Monday with German federal President Joachim Gauck, Papoulias expressed optimism that Greek-German relations will be characterised by the "sense of solidarity, which is a fundamental European value".

"Much has changed in Greece, thanks to the sacrifices of the Greek people, who are paying a heavy price," he said, while on investment opportunities he said: "I want to assure you, personally, and the German businessmen that they have only to gain from their activity in Greece."

Gauck, in turn, stressed that "Greece can rely on assistance from Germany in the future», adding that "true friendship is affirmed in times of crises".
"In times of crisis, we expect the two sides to rise to their responsibilities," Gauck said.

The two Presidents were given a guided tour of the exhibition "Olympia: Myth-Cult-Games in Antiquity", which has been running since August at the exhibition premises of the 'Martin-Gropius-Bau', held under the auspices of the two Presidents.

Papoulias said that the exhibition pays tribute to the Olympic Ideal and to the Ancient Greek civilization", while Gauck called it a "great give of the Greeks to Germany" given that many of the exhibits are being put on display for the first time.

"Touring the halls of this lovely exhibition venue and viewing the exhibits of unique value, one becomes immersed in the radiance of the Hellenic spirit and the Olympic ideal of 'eu agonizesthe' (fair play). At the same time this exhibition urges visitors to ponder the historic depth and roots of European civilization, which lie in Greece. The foundation stone of this civilization is found in the anthropocentric ideal that was the basis of the philosophy of the Hellenes. Ancient Greek civilization bloomed precisely for this reason, and consequently it shows us the way to Europe's future, adapted of course to the present day," Papoulias said, and thanked the 2.5 million Germans who visit Greece each year, assuring them that they will be received again this year with the same love and hospitality.

Papoulias further invited Gauck to visit Greece, promising to personally give him a tour of Ancient Olympia. Later, President Papoulias will go to the Bellevue Presidential Mansion, where the German president will host a dinner in his honour.

SOURCE: ATHENS NEWS AGENCY