Greece, Poland agree to enhance economic cooperation

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk on Friday became the first foreign leader to pay a visit to newly-elected Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou, with an agenda based on advancing bilateral relations and in particular the economic cooperation between the two countries.

In statements made on Friday afternoon at Megaro Maximou, the Greek Prime Minister's office, Papandreou announced that he has accepted an invitation by Tusk to visit Poland soon, accompanied by Greek entrepreneurs and possible investors, aiming at enhancing economic relations through the creation of a Greek-Polish Economic Chamber.

"It is only an example of how working together we can face big challenges for the benefit of our countries, our region and the whole world. We agreed that we can further strengthen our cooperation on energy, tourism, culture," Papandreou said, adding that "regarding the global financial crisis we discussed how we can tackle the consequences on member countries of the European Union."

The two leaders also discussed international issues, such as climate change, energy efficiency, and the aspirations of Turkey and western Balkans states to join the European Union, as well as the name issue of FYROM.

Expressing his admiration for Greece's history and culture, Tusk said he was optimistic that through strengthening cooperation the EU member states will get through the financial crisis and will achieve progress on many levels for the benefit of the whole international community, including the challenge of climate change.

"We share the will to make December's meeting on climate change in Copenhagen a success," Tusk noted, adding that "we support the aspirations of all countries who want to join the European Union, as Turkey and western Balkan states." "I agree with Mr. Papandreou that we will welcome them, when they will fulfill all criteria," he said.

Source: Xinhua