The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras had a brief meeting with US President Barack Obama at the reception hosted by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon for world leaders participating in the General Assembly meeting in New York. The American President reportedly congratulated the Greek PM on his recent reelection. The two are expected to have a new, informal meeting during the official dinner at the White House for the leaders of the UN member states.
On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Mr. Tsipras also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who invited the Greek Prime Minister to visit China later in the year. The two sides underlined the strategic importance of bilateral cooperation in investments, trade, tourism, shipping and culture.
The Greek Premier also meet with the President of Cuba Raul Castro and President of Brazil Dilma Rousseff ahead of the General Assembly talks. The Cuban President reportedly told Mr. Tsipras that he was closely watching developments in Greece and invited the Greek PM to visit Cuba whenever he wants.
In their meeting, the Brazilian President and Greek Prime Minister discussed the further development of financial cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the agricultural/food sector, aerospace industry and energy. In order to further develop cooperation, the two sides decide to establish an expert committee. Mr. Tsipras also invited Mrs. Rousseff to visit Athens in February to receive the Olympic flame.
Mr. Tsipras meet with the President of Ecuador Rafael Correa and discussed the issue of debt and the importance of restructuring debt for financial growth. The two also discussed the ties between Latin America and the European Union and how Greece may act as a bridge between the two.
Finally, Mr. Tsipras had a meeting with his Albanian counterpart Edi Rama. The Greek Prime Minister reportedly underlined the need to solve outstanding issues between the two countries based on international law and a spirit of mutual respect. Mr. Tsipras also argued for the rights of the Greek minorities and their religious beliefs, stressing the importance of the Archbishop of Albania Anastasios.
The Greek PM underlined that Athens will support Tirana in its path to Europe, which must demonstrate a firm commitment to integrating the European acquis. The two leaders also discussed the further development of bilateral relations, with an emphasis on finances and trade, with Mr. Rama inviting his Greek counterpart to visit Albania.
