Papoulias Receives Slovakian Counterpart

President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias (left) received his Slovak counterpart Ivan Gasparovic on Tuesday, who is on a three-day visit to Greece. After the meeting, Papoulias stated that they discussed bilateral and European issues, underlining that the EU has an obligation to its principles and history to contribute to the creation of a new global economic system that will guarantee transparency and development.

He also stated that he briefed his Slovak counterpart on the latest developments on the Cyprus issue, pointing out that it is time for the wall dividing Nicosia, the last dividing wall in Europe, to fall. Other topics of discussion included the potential for more Greek investments in Slovakia, mainly in the sector of services and the exploitation of Slovakia’s mineral springs. 

President Ivan Gasparovic was awarded the City of Athens' Gold Medal of Merit on Tuesday, by Athens Mayor Nikitas Kaklamanis. 

Athens News Agency: Greek, Slovak Presidents Meet; Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Bilateral Relations Greece-Slovakia 

Saudi FM Meets Leaders

Foreign Minister Dora Bakoyannis met on Tuesday with her Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Saud Al-Faisal, who is currently on an official visit to Greece. Earlier, the Saudi Arabian minister was received by Greek President Karolos Papoulias and Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis.

 Bakoyannis referred to Greece's standing interest in the Middle East peace process between Israel and the Palestinians. She stated that she had the "opportunity to be briefed first hand on developments" within the framework of a Saudi Arabian initiative, "which Greece has supported from the very outset." 

The two ministers also discussed the international economic crisis. Bakoyannis praised the Saudi foreign minister as distinguished figure internationally, who has worked consistently to strengthen the friendship shared by the two countries, while noting that Saudi Arabia is one of the "key pillars of the global economy."