Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-27 From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" CONTENTS [01] Support of SMEs is priority for exiting the crisis, gov't VP Dragasakis says [02] FM Kotzias pays visit to Algiers --------------------------------------------------------------------------- [01] Support of SMEs is priority for exiting the crisis, gov't VP Dragasakis says The support of small and medium-sized enterprises is a basic prerequisite and key pillar of the strategy to exit the crisis, government Vice President Yiannis Dragasakis on Thursday said at the conference entitled "Policies and Financial Instruments for the Development of SMEs in Greece". The conference is organised by the European Commission (Directorate-General for the Internal Market, Industry, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and Entrepreneurship - DG GROW) and the Ministry of Economy and Development. Dragasakis pointed out that dealing with the problems of the past is not enough, adding that "we must respond to the challenges of the future." As he stated, "we need to develop a new strategy and perception of the position and role of small and medium-sized enterprises in post-memorandum Greece." He added that the development of sustainable SMEs is a necessary condition for the transition to a new model of fair and sustainable development. [02] FM Kotzias pays visit to Algiers Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias laid a wreath on Thursday, at the beginning of his official visit to Algiers. Kotzias will also have a special meeting with State Secretary and Foreign and International Co-operation Minister Ramtane Lamamra, followed by extended talks between the two delegations. The two Foreign Ministers will give a joint press conference followed by a working lunch. In the afternoon, Kotzias will have a meeting with the President of the Council of the Nation (Senate) Abdelkader Bensalah. Kotzias' visit to Algeria aims to strengthen the two countries' relations. The Greek diplomacy recognizes Algeria's stabilizing and constructive role in the Arab world and North Africa, while firmly supporting the development of Algeria's relations with the European Union.