Athens News Agency: News in English, 07-02-15

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] President Papoulias begins Romania visit

[02] Frigate 'Adrias' delivered to Greek Navy

[03] Cooperation between Greek, Cypriot hoteliers

[01] President Papoulias begins Romania visit

"We can put forward common targets -- We will have the backing of the European Union -- and form a Balkan group within the EU. Why not? The Baltic countries have already proceeded with such a group, the northern (Scandinavian) countries also, and the time has come for us, the Balkan countries, to strengthen our position and our voices in the European Union," said Papoulias, who will have talks throughout the day with the Romanian leadership in Bucharest.

Papoulias also referred to Greece's as well as Romania's contribution to the European culture, and predicted that, following Romania's EU accession (at the beginning of this year), a stronger voice will be heard in Europe "in order to reach the optimum result, the accession to the European Union of all the countries of the region".

Regarding the future of trade relations between Greece and Romania, Papoulias noted that there were undoubtedly positive prospects, since Romania's EU memebership will decisively contribute to the development of trade, bilateral financial transactions, ecnomic growth, and more generally the achievement of a high standard of living. "These positive prospects will benefit all the countries of our region, and naturally the European Union as well," he added.

Papoulias further said that the Greek business community had from a very early date realised that investments in Romania would be mutually beneficial, referring to Greek investments in Romania, where more than 800 Greek business concerns are currently active, with an overall invested capital of three billion euros.

Papoulias on Thursday commenced a two-day state visit to Bucharest at the invitation of Romanian president Traian Basescu, whom he is slated to meet at the Cotroceni Palace for talks covering issues of common interest, bilateral relations and the economic agenda, as well as the Black Sea cooperation.

During his stay, the Greek President will also attend the opening of the Romania-Greece business forum, which will seek new opportunities for increasing bilateral trade exchanges and joint investments.

[02] Frigate 'Adrias' delivered to Greek Navy

The total cost of the project is 380 million euros. The frigate "Kountouriotis" was the first to undergo the roughly 18-month overhaul, while next in line is the "Navarino".

Caption: The newly-upgraded frigate Adrias (ANA-MPA/G. Christakis).

[03] Cooperation between Greek, Cypriot hoteliers

It was an initiative by the board of the Hotels Chamber of Greece in the framework of a series of acts scheduled by the Chamber's board to boost the extroversion of the Greek hotel sector and, consequently, of Greek tourism.

The representatives of the two agencies reached the conclusion that Greece and Cyprus are tourist destinations having considerable prospects, particular characteristics and competitive advantages.

Caption: Cyprus' Cypriot Trade,Tourism and Industry Minister Antonis Michailides (CNA/ANA-MPA file photo).

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