Brief Obama-Papandreou meeting

NEW YORK CITY (ANA-MPA) -- Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou held a brief meeting with US President Barack Obama early Friday morning (Athens time) during a reception hosted by the American leader in honour of visiting heads of state and government, held at a Manhattan museum.

The US president reportedly referred to the difficult task facing the Greek government and positive steps taken so far.

On his part, Papandreou congratulated Obama for his opening address at the 65th UN General Assembly and particularly for his recent initiatives vis-à-vis the Middle East, agreeing that all sides must contribute in order to find a solution.

The Greek premier also extended an invitation to Obama and his family to officially visit Greece.

Earlier, Papandreou addressed a "World Leadership Forum 2010" event at a New York hotel hosted by the Foreign Policy Association and presented a comprehensive view of the economic situation in Greece and the country's future prospects.

"Greece is a small country," the Greek premier said, adding that "the economic crisis is not our problem only and this has been shown by developments." Papandreou placed emphasis on the need to further reinforcing cooperation.

"Greece is a different country today, with a cradible government that works with determination in the path of longterm stability and growth," Papandreou noted.