Athens News Agency: News in English, 12-01-10

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

CONTENTS

[01] Israeli DM Barak on official visit to Greece

[01] Israeli DM Barak on official visit to Greece

The talks were held in a "good climate" and the political framework was set out for cooperation between Greece and Israel in the defence sector, while afterwards work groups of the two sides met to itemize the areas of cooperation. amna

In statements to the press afterwards, Avramopoulos described Barak's visit to Athens as "important", as it is encompassed in the climate of understanding and friendship between the two countries and also extends to the sector of defence.

"Our choice and commitment is a deepening of cooperation," he said, noting that the consolidation of bilateral relations had been late in coming.

Avramopoulos further stressed that the cooperation between Greece and Israel is "pro-peace and frank, and is not aimed against anyone".

On the contrary, he added, it could create new sources of prosperity for the peoples of the two countries but also the peoples of the region.

Avramopoulos reiterated that Greece seeks understanding with all its neighbours and the countries of the eastern Mediterranean, and stressed that Greece will continue to play a stabilising role in the region. www.amna.gr

Barak, in turn, stressed that Israel looks forward to closer relations with Greece. He thanked Athens for its assistance in last year's devastating wildfires in Israel.

He also said the two countries have a common interest in the resolution of the differences in the region, to the benefit of peace and of stability in the Middle East and the SE Mediterranean.

Barak will be received by President of the Republic Karolos Papoulias and by Premier Lucas Papademos later in the day, while in the afternoon he will have talks with Greek Foreign Minister Stavros Dimas. amna

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