The French Minister of Finances Michel Sapin [pictured right] told journalists that “a new contract” between Greece and Europe must be established, following his Sunday evening meeting in Paris with his Greek counterpart, Yanis Varoufakis [pictured left]. On his behalf, Mr. Varoufakis stated that he sat on the “same side of the table” in order to find a solution that will be beneficial for the whole of Europe, adding that the Greek government plans to do the same the European Union, European Commission and the IMF.
The Greek government spokesman Gabriel Sakellaridis commented that the meeting between the two Finance Ministers and their agreement on a series of critical matters is a message that the negotiations can result in a mutually beneficial solution for Greece and the European Union. Mr. Sakellaridis further stressed that the government will soberly and decisively honor the mandate given by the Greek people.
Greek Finance Minister’s trips to London and Rome
After his Sunday evening trip to Paris where he met Michel Sapin, Mr. Varoufakis has arranged to visit his British and Italian counterparts later this week. On Monday Mr. Varoufakis will head to London with the Alternate Minister of International Economic Relations Euclid Tsakalotos, where he will meet with the Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne. On Tuesday Mr. Varoufakis will then visit Rome, for a meeting with the Italian Minister of Economy Pier Carlo Padoan.
