Karamanlis, Obama reaffirm excellent relations

StrasbourgPrime minister Costas Karamanlis of Greece met on Saturday afternoon with new US President Barack Obama in Strasbourg shortly after the conclusion of NATO's 60th anniversary summit, and reaffirmed the excellent relations and bonds between the two countries.

Speaking to reporters before the discussion, the US President said he was happy to be meeting with the prime minister of Greece, adding that the meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the excellent relations between the US and Greece.

Obama stressed that it was not only the US that has been inspired by Ancient Greece, but Greece, too, has been inspired by the US, citing the American Revolution as an example. He said that the two countries share common democratic principles and will continue hand-in-hand in the 21st century as well, while also noting the significant role played by the Greek community in the US.

Obama futher noted that US-Greek cooperation was very crucial on matters concerning the confrontation of terrorism, the global financial crisis and energy security, adding that he was proud of his friendship with the Greek prime minister.

The prime minister added that Greece was in favor of further NATO enlargement, on condition, however, that the candidate countries fully meet the membership conditions set out by NATO, mainly with respect to establishing good neighbor relations

Obama expressed his desire to visit Athens, and listened with interest to the positions of Greek foreign policy regarding the wider region of the Balkans and Southeast Europe, while he also appeared positive towards backing Greece's efforts in the region.