Greece’s economic program, the refugee crisis, Greek-American partnership in relation to investments, energy issues, the Cyprus issue and finding a solution on FYROM’s name were the focus of a meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, during a meeting in Davos on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.
According to an announcement from the prime minister’s office, Biden hailed Greece’s stabilizing role in Europe and the wider region and noted that the first program review must be completed in time to help the dynamics of the Greek economy. On his side, Tsipras welcomed Biden’s initiatives in strengthening Greek-American economic relations and the further increase of U.S. investments in Greece.
Concerning the refugee crisis, the U.S. official noted Greece’s efforts to manage the problem with humanity and effectiveness, while he stressed the need to further activate the international community on this issue.
On energy, Biden welcomed the completion of the procedures concerning the Trans Adriatic Pipleine (TAP) and the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB) and discussed the prospects for transferring ING via Greece. In this direction, the two sides noted the emergence of Greece into an energy hub for new gas transport routes to Europe.
On Cyprus, they highlighted the potential to strengthen the dynamics acquired by the bilateral talks and the need for a just and lasting solution on the basis of UN resolutions and the status of Cyprus as a member-state of the EU. Tsipras stressed that the sense of security for the people of Cyprus, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots, cannot be secured by “anachronistic options,” such as the guarantees.
Finally, on the dispute over FYROM’s name, both sides stressed the importance of continuing talks between Greece and its northern neighbor under the UN Special Envoy, Matthew Nimetz and hoped the elections in FYROM will have a positive effect on the country’s stability and the creation of a climate of trust for an acceptable solution.
(source: ana-mpa)
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