Greece: Foreign Ministry

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)                             Ambassador’s Forum 
The prospects and objectives of the French EU Presidency (second semester of 2008 ) were presented by France’s Ambassador to Greece Christophe Farnaud within the framework of the “Ambassadors’ Forum,” a Foreign Ministry initiative aimed at promoting discussion and dialogue on foreign policy issues. Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis addressed the opening of the proceedings, following a short welcoming address by Foreign Ministry spokesman George Koumoutsakos. The French Ambassador’s speech was entitled “The French EU Presidency and Europe’s Challenges.”  Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Opening address of Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis at the third ‘Ambassadors’ Forum’ Meeting 

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Greece: Waking the Dragon

(GREEK NEWS AGENDA)   President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias arrived in Beijing on Sunday, for a five-day visit to China. Papoulias, who has already met with President Hu Jintao and the premier Wen Jiambao, commented on China’s “tremendous economic and political role” and was very satisfied to see bilateral relations reaching “the highest levels of cordiality and friendship”. Bilateral agreements focused on matters of justice, foreign aid cooperation, tourism, culture, international affairs such as climate change, as well as on educational issues. 

Greek Shipping Prospects

Adressing the a “Blue Water Economy” Conference, Deputy Foreign Minister Petros Doukas gave a brief presentation of the world’s shipping prospects from which Greece can benefit a great deal. Stressing out that Greece holds an outstanding record in the seafaring shipping industry controlling 20% of the world’s shipping capacity while representing only 1/600 of the world’s population, Doukas noted that Greece has reshaped its strategy and pursued major openings, with particular emphasis on the regions of Southeast Europe, the Black Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.