Tsipras, US Secretary of State Kerry talk economy, refugee crisis, Cyprus during Athens visit

Gazzetta team
Tsipras, US Secretary of State Kerry talk economy, refugee crisis, Cyprus during Athens visit
Economic relations, the refugee issue, regional developments, Cyprus and Greece's role in the region were the main issues in the agenda of the meeting between Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and US Secretary of State John Kerry at Maximos Mansion on Friday.esa

Kerry is on an official one-day visit to Athens where he met with Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras and Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias.

Tsipras welcomed Kerry "at this critical period for the wider region" adding that "there are stability threats in the region and it is very important to find solutions to this problem," while he also noted that Greece is a field of stability in the region.

According to a press release from the prime minister’s office, Kerry said he is aware of the major challenges our country is facing particularly on migration and welcomed the country’s efforts despite the difficulties and fiscal limitations. He also said the United States will offer help the Greece through the UN’s Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

"I am very glad that I am in Greece, and I am grateful for the cooperation on security issues. We work very closely and I am aware that you are facing very significant challenges particularly regarding migration," he said.

Discussing the implementation of Greece’s economic program and the restructuring of its debt, the US official said he highly appreciates the country’s efforts in the financial sector and promised that his country will do everything it can to help the country return to growth.

"I know it is not easy. We want to help as much as we can to see Greece return to growth, as people want and as we all hope. It’s a big endeavor,” he noted and added that “American businesses want to help.”

As far as regional developments are concerned, the two sides discussed Tsipras’ recent official visits abroad and his future contacts, as well as the country’s role as a pillar of stability and cooperation in the wider region.

On Cyprus, Tsipras and Kerry noted the need for a just and viable solution within the framework of UN’s decisions, especially in a period of increased conflicts in the Mediterranean. The Greek premier also spoke of the importance he places in the strengthening of relations with Turkey on the basis of international law.