Subject: Athens Macedonian News Agency: News in English, 17-04-27
From: "HR-Net News Distribution Manager" <dist@hri.org>
CONTENTS
[01] Tsipras receives Chinese member of Politburo Liu Qibao
[02] FM Nikos Kotzias in Valletta on Friday
     in Malta on Friday
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[01] Tsipras receives Chinese member of Politburo Liu Qibao

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras met on Thursday with Liu Qibao, member of
the Politburo of the Communist Party, responsible for issues of culture
as part of the events to mark the start of the Greece-China Year 2017.

Issues related to cultural cooperation in the cinema and the audiovisual
sector dominated the meeting. The meeting is held two and a half weeks
before Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras visits China to take part in the
forum on the modern silk road and have meetings with the Chinese President
and the Chinese Prime Minister.

"Your visit takes place after a series of high-level meetings, all of
which signify the great interest of the People's Republic of China for
Greece," Tsipras said, welcoming Liu Qibao, and added:

"Last week, we had the conference of ancient cultures at the initiative
of the foreign ministers of the two countries. Today, you and the Greek
Culture Minister will have the opportunity to inaugurate the year
of cultural exchanges between Greece and China in the Byzantine and
Christian Museum, a very important initiative. The basis for building
trade and economic cooperation is cooperation in culture."

On his part, Liu Qibao conveyed the greetings of President Xi Jinping and
Prime Minister Li Keqiang adding that he is looking forward to Tsipras'
visit next May at the forum on the new silk road during which they will
discuss all issues of common interest.

Regarding the forum on the ancient cultures, he said, "I think it is a
very important initiative that can mark the beginning of very interesting
things. There is currently a very good momentum for economic and cultural
cooperation between our countries. In today's meeting, we want to discuss
with you our cooperation in the field of culture."

"That is why it is a great honour for me to have this meeting with you,
Prime Minister," Liu Qibao stressed.


[02] FM Nikos Kotzias in Valletta on Friday
in Malta on Friday

Foreign Minister Nikos Kotzias will participate in the informal meeting
of EU Foreign Ministers («Gymnich») that will be held in Valletta
on Friday.

The developments in Turkey and its relations with the EU, due to the
fact the 'voices' against Turkey's European course have increased after
the result of the referendum and Ankara itself shows less interest for
its accession, are expected to dominate the meeting.

On the meeting's agenda are also the modern challenges of the
globalisation and the implementation of the Global Strategy of EU on
matters of foreign policy and safety policy.